■if 










liili^ 



SKETCHES 



OLD INHABITANTS 



AND OTHER CITIZENS 



OLD SPRINGFIELD 



OF THE PRESENT CENTURY 



HISTORIC MANSIONS OF "YE OLDEN T^ME. 

Willi 

OXK nrXDRKl) AXD TWKXTV-FOUR I I.I.IS'IR A TIOXS 
AXl) SIXTY ALTlXlRArilS. 



By CHAREES VVELES CHAPIN. 



J 'lit if lice Passe Science.'' 



%^-I ^8 1893 J 

■ OF W<k8*^_: 



SPKIXdFIKI.n, MASS.: 

I'KKSS OF STKlMil-lKLli ruINlINi: AND IIIMUM. luMI'ANV. 



1S93. 




Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1893, by 

Chaki.bs WiiLLS Chapin, 
in tlie office of the I^ibrarian of Congress at Washington. 

All Rights Reserved. 



6i 



N MEMORIAM 



IF .M^• I'.KI,' i\K 



WIFE, SON, AND DAUGHTER. 



Emilv Adelia Kidder Chapin. 

born July 24, 1S30 
died April 12, 1S76 

Charles Kidder Chapix. 

l)orn Sept. 3, 1854 
died ( )ct. 26, 1S63 

Jeannette Harriet Chapin. 

l)orn Uily i, 1S61 
died June 27, 1S86 

THIS WORK IS 
AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED. 



PREFACE 



In the researches that have been made to gather the 
facts which have entered into the preparation of this volume, 
upon which I have been engaged for the last three years, I 
have endea\'ored to give accurately that which is believed 
to be reliable, drawing the information from records, and 
the recollections ot those familiar with the occurrences of 
which they were a part. It is to be regretted for the truth 
of history that occurring events are not written out at the 
time, thus becoming reliable sources of information to 
succeeding generations. 

It is fitting that those who are nearing the allotted limit 
of life should make it a duty to record such transactions as 
are of general interest and of historical value in their 
respective localities. 

It is assumed that the sketches of the old mansions will 
be of special value to many who cherish the "old homes" 
for the memories clustered about them. 

In the preparation of this work I have received infor- 
mation and aid from the following sources : — • 

Members of tlie uld families of Springfield. 
Town Records of Springrteld. 
Hampden County Records of Deeds. 
City Library, Springtield. 

John 1). Wliite, Esq., city clerk, Cliicopee, Mass. 
C. B. 'i'illinghasl, Esq., Free Public Library Commission, 
Boston. 

Atljutant-General of Massachusetts, Boston. 
War Department, Washington, D. C. 
Navy Department, Washington, D. C. 
Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. 

C. W. C. 

Sprin(;fielo, October 2, 1S93. 



NDEX 



SKETCHES. 



Adams, David A., 








8 


Henry, . . 






9 


Nathan, . 








9 


Sylvanus. 








II 


Allen, Edmund, 








12 


Allin, Erskine S., 








12 


Amadon. Titus. 








•3 


Ames, David, Sr., 








'5 


David, Jr., 








'9 


Galen, 








20 


James T., 








23 


John, . . 








22 


Nathan P., 








25 


William. 








25 


Ashley, Roderick, 








26 


Ashmun, George, 








3 


Baker, Matthew B. 








32 


Bancroft. George, 








27 


Bangs, Allen, 








32 


Barber, David, . 








33 


Beach, Moses Yale, 






39 


Belcher, lienjamin, 






41 


Bildad B.. . 






42 


liemis, Robert E., 






42 


Stejihen C, 






43 


Blake, Elijah, . . 






47 


Ezekiel, . . 






48 


Blanchard, Thomas. 






49 


Bliss, Alexander, . 






53 


Elijah W., . 






56 


George, Sr., 






57 


George, Jr., 






59 


Jacob, . . . 






63 


Jonathan. 






66 


Luther. . . 






66 


Moses, 








67 



PAGE 

Bliss, Moses, Jr., .... 67 

Richard, 68 

Theodore 68 

William, 69 

Bond, Thomas, 70 

Bontecou, Daniel, ... 71 

Booth, Edwin, 72 

Bowdoin, Walter H., . . 73 

Bowles, Samuel 73 

Breck, William G y^ 

Brewer, Dr. Chauncey, . 76 

Daniel Chauncey, . 77 

Henry, 77 

James, ist, . . . . 79 

James, 2d, ... . 81 

Brown, John, 81 

Bryant. David Mason, . . 85 

William, 85 

Buckland, Cyrus, .... 87 

Bullens. Amaziah 89 

Ira M., 89 

Isaac, 89 

Bunker, Henry L., ... 89 

Bush, David A., . . . . 91 

Byers, James, .... 91 

Cadwell, Pliny, 123 

Calhoun, William B., 123 

Call, Amos. 127 

Carew, Francis M., . . . 129 

Joseph 129 

Joseph. Jr., .... 132 

Carter, Timothy W., . . . 135 

Case, Horatio N., .... 136 

Chapin. Abel, 96 

Ashbel, 103 

Chauncey, .... 103 









INDEX. 




PACE 






Cliapin, Chester VV loo 


Dwight, George, . . 




Dormer, . 






103 


Henry 




Elisha. . . . 






'03 


James San ford. 




Erastus, . . 






105 


James Scult, . 




Ethan S., . . 






106 


John W.. . . 




Frederick, . . 






109 


Jonathan, ist, . 




Giles Smith, 






1 10 


Jonathan. 2d. . 




Harvey, . . . 






>I3 


Jonathan, 3d, 




Marvin, . . 






117 


Thomas, . . . 




Moses, . . 






120 


William, . . . 




Orange. . . 






121 


Edwards, Elisha, . . 




Samuel, . . . 






121 


John S., . . . 




Sidney, . . 






122 


Elliot, Francis, . . . 




Whitfield, . 






123 


Elwell. William S., . 




Chapman, Otis, . . 






'37 


Ely, Nathaniel, . . 




Reuben A.. 






137 


Emery, Robert, . . 




Chase, John, 






139 


Ferry, Thaddeus, . . 




Child, William, 






140 


Flint, Joseph H., . . 




Childe, John, . . 






140 


P'oot, Adonijah, . . 




Church, Jefferson, 






141 


Homer, . . . 




Moses, . . 






143 


Foster, Lewis, . . . 




Clary, Albert G., . 






145 


William H., . 




Erasmus D., 






'45 


Freeman, Edmund, . 




Ethan A., . 






143 


Frost, George, . . . 




Henry D., . 






'45 


Joshua. . . . 




Robert E., . 






146 


Fuller, Benjamin, . . 




Colton, Charles, 






'47 


Henry, Jr., . . 




George, . 






148 


Goodman, Eldad, . - 




Cook, Dennis, . . 






'49 


Ithamar, . . . 




Coolidge, Jonas, 






'49 


Goodrich, Elijah, . . 




Covell, Chauncey L., 






150 


John, .... 




Crooks, James W., 






'5' 


Gorham, Lewis, 




Crossett, George A.. 






'55 


Graves, Martin D., 




Cutler, Nathaniel, . 






'55 


Gunn, Elisha, . . . 




Dale, John Blake. . 






.56 


Hale, James W., . . 




Samuel, . . 






. 158 


Harding, Chester, . . 




Thomas, Sr., 






• 159 


Hatch, Solomon. . . 




Day, Benjamin, 






'59 


Hitchcock, Daniel. 




Samuel S., . 






160 


William, . 




Dickinson, Ocran. . 






. 161 


Holt, Rodney, . . . 




Dwight, Edmund. . 






. 1O2 


Hooker, John. . • . 




Francis. . . 






.63 


Josiah, . . . 




Frederick, . 






. 164 


Howard, Rev. Dr. Bezal 


eel, 



Vll 



INDEX. 



Howard. Charles, 

John, . . 
Hubbard, Boardman 
Hyde, Elijah, 
Ingersoil. P^dward. 

John, . 
Ingrahain, Joseph, 
Kendall. Joel. 

Madison. 
Kilbon. John, 
Kiniberly, Ezra. 
Kingsbury, Samuel 
Kingsley, Daniel P 
Lathrop, Wells, 
Lawton, Sanford. 
Leavitt, Benning. 
Lee, Horace, 

Roswell, . 
Lloyd, VVilliam, . 
Lombard, Daniel, 

Joseph, 

Justin. 

Roswell, . 
Lyman, Cornelius, 

Samuel, . 
Marsh, Apollos, 
McClallan, Charles 
McNary, Samuel. 
Merriam, Charles, 

George, . 

Homer, . 
Mills, John, . . 
Morgan, Albert, 
Morris, Edward A 

Henry, 

Oliver B., 

Richard D., 
Moseley, Edward F. 

Nathaniel, . 

Nathaniel li., 
Mosman, Silas, Sr., 
Munn, Apollos. . . 
Nettleton, Alpheus, 



TAGE 

226 

228 
230 
230 
23' 
233 
235 
235 
237 
239 
241 
241 
241 
242 
245 

245 
247 
249 
251 
251 

2 r 2 

25s 
255 
255 
257 
262 
263 
265 
265 
267 
272 
272 

275 
276 

277 
280 
282 
282 
283 
284 
285 
2S5 
286 



Orne, Samuel, . 

William W., 
Osgood, Rev. Samuel 
Packard, Fred A., . 
Palmer, Edmund. . 
Parsons, Zenas, 
Peabody, Re V.William 
Pease. Joseph, . 
Pendleton, Jesse, . 
Phelps, Ansel, Jr.. 
Phelps, Willis, . . 
Pynchon. Charles, 

Edward, 

William, . . 
Raynolds, Samuel. 
Reynolds, Daniel. . 
Rice, Caleb, . 

William, . 
Ring, Jesse, . . . . 
Ripley, James W , 
Robb, John, . . . 
Rogers, Sable, . . 
Rowland, Edmund, Jr 
Rumrill, James B., 
Russell, Ebenezer, 

Stephen O., 
Sanborn, Joseph AL, 

Simon. . . 
Sanderson, Harvey. 
Sargeant, Henry. . 

Horatio, . 

Thomas, . 
Seamans, Otis A., . 
Seeger, Edwin, . 
Shackford, Samuel A 
Shattuck, Calvin, . 
Sheldon, Charles, . 

William, . 
Shepard, Chauncey, 

Thomas J., . 
Shurtleff, Roswell. 
Simons, Cicero, 
Skeele, Amos, . . 



B. 









INDEX. 






IX 


I'AGE 


PAGE 


Smith, David, 341 


Tobey, Elisha, 377 


Henry. . . 






343 


Trask, Eliphalet, . 






379 


Horace, . . 






343 


Israel Eliot. 






382 


James M., . 






345 


Tully, William, . . 






386 


Simon, . . 






348 


Tyler, Philos B.. . 






387 


William, . . 






348 


Upham, Charles J., 






388 


Southworth, Wells, 






349 


Van Horn, Azariah. 






388 


Spencer, Luther, . 






350 


Gad, . . . 






388 


Stearns, Charles, . 






350 


Vinton, Joshua B., . 






389 


Stebbins, Festus, . 






353 


Warner, '1 homas, . 






390 


John Charter, 






353 


Warriner, Jeremy. . 






393 


Joseph, Jr., . 






353 


Solomon, 






397 


(^uartus, . - 






354 


Walter, . . 






399 


Theodore, . 






354 


Weatherhead, Joseph. 






401 


Walter, . . 






354 


Wells, James, . . 






402 


Zebina, . . 






355 


Jerome. . . 






403 


Sterns, Henry, . . 






365 


John, . . 






403 


Stockbridge, Elam, 






367 


Wilcox. Philip, . . 






405 


Stone, John. . . . 






3^-7 


Philo F.. . 






407 


Sturtevant, W. C . 






36S 


Willard, Daniel W., 






409 


Swan, James. . . 






3 ^'9 


Justice, . . 






409 


Tannatt, Abraham G 






371 


Williams, Eleazer, 






4U 


Taylor, Franklin, . 






372 


Ephraim. 






413 


Sylvester, 






373 


Wolcott, William F.. 






4'3 


Thompson. James M. 






• 375 


Worthington. John, 






414 



PORTRAITS. 



Adams, Sylvanus, . . 
Ashmun, Hon. George, . 
Bancroft. Hon. George, . 
Beach. Hon. Moses Yale, 
Bemis, Stephen Chapin, 
Blanchard, Thomas, . . 
Bliss. Alexander, . 

Mrs. Alexander, . 

Hon. George. Jr.. 
Bowles, Samuel, 
Buckland, Cyrus, . 

Bush. David A 

Calhoun, Hon. Wm. Barron 

Call. Amos 126 



PAGE 




PAGE 


ID 


Carew, Capt. Joseph, . . 


130 


2 


Mrs. Joseph, . . 


'31 


29 


Joseph, Jr., . . . 


133 


38 


Chapin, Hon. Chester W.. 


99 


44 


Col. Harvey, . . 


112 


51 


Mrs. Harvey, . . 


116 


54 


Church, Dr. Jefferson, . 


142 


55 


Clary, Capt. Ethan A., . 


144 


61 


Crooks, James W., Esq., 


•53 


74 


Dwight, Hon. George, . 


166 


86 


Mrs. George. . . 


167 


90 


James Scutt, . . 


174 


124 


Mrs. James Scutt. 


'75 


126 


Jonathan. Sr., . . 


178 



INDEX. 



Edwards, Dr. Elisha, 

Mrs. Elisha, 
Foot, Adonijali, 

Col. Homer, 
Foster, Capt. Lewis, 
Freeman. Edmund, 
Frost, Dr. Joshua. . 
Fuller, Ijenjamin. . 
Harding, Chester, . 
Hooker, Mrs. John, 

Josiah, . . 
Howard, Rev. Bezaleel 
Ingraham, Joseph, . 
Kilbon, John, 
Lee, Horace, . . 

Col. Roswell, 
Lind. Jenny, 
Lombard, Daniel, . 
Lyman, Capt. Cornelius, 

Hon. Samuel, 
Merriam, Charles, 

Dea. George. 

Homer, . . 
Mills, Hon. John, . 
Morris, Judge Oliver B., 
Orne, Hon. Samuel, 

William W., 



D.D 



]'A(;e 
184 
185 
'94 
195 
198 
200 
202 
204 
212 
221 
222 

• 224 

234 
238 
246 
248 

394 
250 
254 
256 
264 
269 
271 

273 
279 
288 
290 



Osgood, Rev. Samuel, D.D., 
Peabody, Rev. W.B. O., D D 
Reynolds, Dea. Daniel, 
Rice, Hon. Caleb, . . 
Sanborn, Simon, 

Mrs. Simon, . 
Sanderson, Harvey. . 
Sargeant, Horatio, 
Shepard, Chauncey, . 
Shurtleff, Col. Roswell, 
Simons. Cicero. . . 
Smith, David, . . . 

Smith, Dr. James Morve 

Stebbins. Zebina. . . 
James, ... 
John B. M., 

Stockbridge, Eldm. . 

Tannatt, Abraham G.. 

Tobey, Elisha, . . . 

Trask, Hon. Eliphalet, 
Col. Israel Eliot 

Warriner, Solomon. . 

Weatherhead, Joseph, 

Wilcox, Philip, . . . 

Willard, Hon. Justice, 

Wolcott, William F., . 



Ames, David, Sr., . 

David, Jr., . 

John, . . . 
Ashmun. George, . 
Bancroft, George, . 
Bates Tavern, . . 
Blake, Elijah. . . 
Blanchard, Thomas, 
Bliss, Hon. George, Sr., 

Hon. George, Jr., 

Gen. Jacob, 
Bliss's Mill. . . . 



MANSIONS AND 

PAGE I 
14 



HOUSES. 



18 

21 

I 

28 

39' 
46 

50 
58 
60 
64 
65 



Brewer, Henry, . 
Brown. Capt. John, 
Byers, Hon. James, 
Carew, Capt. Joseph, 
Chapin, Col. Abel, 

Hon. Chester W., 

Col. Harvey. . . 
Crooks, James W., Esq 

(Buckwheat Hall), . 
Dwight, James Scutt, 17 

Jonathan, Sr.. 

Col. Josiah, . 



PAGE 

292 

.,298 

30S 

310 
321 

322 

324 
326 

334 
336 
338 
342 
346 
357 
359 
361 
366 
370 
378 
380 
383 
398 
400 
406 
408 
412 



PAGE 

78 

80 

92 

128 

95 

98 

1 1 1 

152 

. 173 

177 

180 



INDEX. 



XI 



Ely (Nathaniel) Tavern, 
Hooker, Judge John, . . 
Lombard, Dea. Justin, 
Merriam, Dea. George, . 
Morris, Judge Oliver B., 
"Old Gaol," . . . . . 
Old Poor House, . . . 
Orne, Hon. Samuel, . . 
Parsons (Zenas) Tavern, 
Pynchon Fort, . . . . 



PAGE 
190 
219 

268 
278 
236 

287 
296 
306 



Sheldon, Charles, . 

William, . . . 
Springfield Academy, 
Stebbins, Major Joseph, 

Zebina, . . . 
Sterns. Henry. . . . 
Thompson, Col. James M 
Trask, Col. Israel Eliot, 
Warriner, Jeremy, . . 



fr. 



AUTOGRAPHS. 



Ashmun, Hon. George, 
Bancroft, Hon. George, 
Bemis, Hon. Stephen Ch 
Bliss. Hon. George, Jr.. 

Moses, Jr., . . 
Buckland, Cyrus, . . 
Byers, Hon. James, . 

Call, Amos 

Chapin, Col. Abel. 

Benjamin, 

Hon. Chester W. 

David. . . . 

Capt. Ephraim. 

George, . . . 

Gorden, . . . 

Col. Harvey, . 

Japhet, . . . 

John, .... 

Quartus, . . . 

Shem. . . . 
Chapman, Hon. Reuben 
Church, Moses, 
Dwight, Hon. Edmund, 

Henry, . . . 

James Sanford, 

Jonathan, 3d, , 

Josiah, . . . 

William, 
Foot, Col. Homer, 
Freeman, Edmund. 



ap 



A. 



29 

n. 44 

6r 

68 
418 

94 
126 

97 
418 

99 
418 
418 
418 
418 
1 12 
418 
418 
418 
418 
139 
143 
163 
170 

171 
181 
180 
182 

195 
200 



Hatch, Solomon, . . . 
Howard, Rev. Bezaleel, D 

Hon. John, . . 
Ingraham, Joseph, 

Lind, Jenny 

Lombard, Daniel, . 

Dea. Justin, 
.Merriam, Charles, . 

Dea. George, . 

Homer. . . . 
Morris, Judge Oliver B., 
Pease, Joseph, . . . 
Pendleton, Jesse. . . 
Phelps. Willis, . . . 
Pynchon. Edward, 
Rice, Hon. Caleb, . . 

Wniliam, . . . 
Russell, Col. Ebenezer, 

Stephen O , 
Sargeant. Horatio, 
Seeger, Dr. Edwin, . 
Smith, Dr. James Morven 
Stearns. Hon. Charles, 
Stebbins. Zebina, . 
Trask, Hon. Eliphalet. 

Col. Israel Eliot, 
Tyler. Hon. Philos B., 
Van Horn, Gad, 
Wilco.x, Philip, . . . 
Worthington, John, . 



I'AGE 

330 
332 

417 
352 
356 

364 
374 
3'^4 
392 



PAGE 

. 216 

D., 224 



230 
234 
394 
250 

255 
264 
269 

271 

279 
300 
302 
304 
305 
310 

313 
3f8 

319 

326 

329 
346 
35' 
357 
380 

383 
387 
389 
406 
416 




297 Union street, the residence of Mrs. Hall, 1S28; George Aslimun, 1S3S; 
Charles Howard, 1S41 ; for manyvears the Misses Howard's private school. Mrs. 
Hall bought the house of Simon Sanborn, who built it about the vear 1S26. 





"T* 



^^%'^^*-<''^C-t--u,,.v.-A^ 



Portrait taken 1862. 

Autograph written September 2, 1S3';. 



^ SKETCHES OF THE 

OLD INHABITANTS AND MANSIONS 

OF SPRINGFIELD. 



Hon. George Ashmun. A personal sketch of this 
distinguished citizen is here given by himself, at the request 
of the late Samuel Bowles. 

(Mr. Ashmun was the son of Hon. Eli P. Ashmun ) 

Sprin(;field, December 25. 1854. 

Mv DEAR Sir — Coming home from New York on Saturday night, 
I found your note of the 19th, accompanying the letter of Mr. Jones, 
which last is herewith returned, according to your request. If it be 
important to the world, hereby know all men that I was born in 
Blandford (then in Hampshire county), Mass.. just one-half century 
ago this blessed day of Christ, i. c , December 25, 1S04; that I passed 
four years at Yale College in the supposed pursuit of what is usually 
called an education, and graduated in 1823; that having a hereditary 
tendency to the law profession I made ready and established myself 
in its practice in Springfield in 1828; that I was elected a member of 
the Massachusetts House of Representatives four times, 7'/5'. ; in 1833, 
1835, 1S36, and 1841, and was speaker of the House in the last named 
year; twice to the Massachusetts Senate, z/Zr. .• 1838 and 1839, and 
three times to the House of Representatives of the Congress of the 
United States, including the six years from 1845 to 185 1, since which 
I have been in private life, where, if Providence prospers me, I intend 
to remain. 

Such is my public history during the fifty years which are completed 
to-day I I have had too much of public life for my own good, and 
more than is good for any man who wisely seeks the happiness of 
himself or his family, and not enough to be of any service to anyone 
else or worth being put upon record. But you have wished for these 
memoranda and they are at your service. 

Very sincerely your friend, 

Mr. Bowles. GEORGE ASHMUN. 



4 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Mr. Ashmiin studied law with his brother, Prof. John 
Hooker Ashmun, at Northampton, Mass., and was admitted 
to the bar in Hampden county in 1828, and to the bar in 
Hampshire county in 1830. 

He located in Enfield, Mass., where he practiced his 
profession for a short time, and then removed to Spring- 
field, where he opened an ofifice by the following notice : — 

" Attorney at Law George Ashmun has taken an office over S. 
VVarriner & Son's store, Main street, where he will attend carefully to 
all business that may be intrusted to him, connected with the practice 
of the law. May 7, 1828." 

He afterwards moved his of^ce to Byers" block. Elm 
street (over Winter's auction rooms), where he had as 
partners, from the year 1834 to i86[, the late N. A. Leon- 
ard, P3sq., Lorenzo Norton, Esq., Judge R. A. Chapman, 
of S. J. Court, and Ex-Judge Gideon Wells, of the Police 
Court. 

Mr. Ashmun was a director in the John Hancock Bank 
for several years previous to 1864. 

Li 1828 he married Mariha E. Hall. Children, four 
daughters : Elizabeth H. Morton, relict of Judge James H. 
Morton, of Springfield; Lucy Hooker, who married Josiah 
Hedden, of New York, and died March 24, 1877, aged 46 
years, and two daughters who died in infancy. Mr. Ash- 
mun died July 10, 1870, in his 66th year. 

'• Great intimacy existed between Mr. Ashmun and Daniel Webster, 
and Mr. Ashmun held Daniel Webster in high esteem and admiration. 
During his congressional career and over the contest of the Wilmot 
Proviso he could not follow the lead of Mr. Webster in that controversy. 
After his [Mr. Webster's] famous 7th of March Compromise Speech 
[when that speech was delivered], Mr. Ashmun was as much surprised 
as anyone, and wrote to his correspondents in Massachusetts : ' While 
I cannot join in any attacks upon Mr. Webster, or in any way abate my 
personal interest and pride in the great statesman, neither can I give 
up the then test of fidelity to the North, the Wilmot Proviso. I had 
not intended to speak at this session, but now I shall seek the floor at 
the earliest opportunity, and while I shall try to assuage the bitterness 
of feeling which some of our friends feel toward Mr. Webster, I can- 
not go so far as he has done in yielding the principles of our party.' " 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 5 

Mr. Ashmun wa.s chairman of the Republican conven- 
tion at Chicago in i860 which nominated Abraham Lincoln 
for President. 

•■ In the chair as in tlie private councils attending the progress of 
the convention, he shone out with all the old power; his voice rang 
clear through the great wigwam, and stilled the passions of its excited 
thousands. His manner and his presence commanded order through- 
out all the proceedings, and his political sagacity and quick-witted 
instincts early prophesied and contributed to the final result. Growing 
out of this relation to the nomination he had a pleasant intimacy with 
President Lincoln, his counsel was sought and accepted by the admin- 
istration, and he occupied for years an influential and useful position 
at Washington. 

" His great power in court, in politics, and in social life was his per- 
sonal influence over men. He was a student of human nature, he had 
all the elements of great personal attraction.; it was by being master of 
himself and superior to the reasons which influenced his own mind 
that he became capable of giving the reasons which should influence 
other minds. His career in public life is full of illustrations of his 
power and influence. Probably the most notable was the result of his 
interview with Stephen A. Douglas directly after the rebels fired on 
Fort Sumter. Such were his appeals and the strong force of the argu- 
ments he addressed to Douglas that the senator rose up superior to 
partisanship and to rivalry, and took his stand with the country. 

"'Now,' said Mr. Ashmun, although it was very late in the night, 
'let us go up to the White House and talk with Mr. Lincoln. I want 
you to say to him what you have said to me, and then I want the result 
of this night's deliberations to be telegraphed to the country.' Then 
and there Mr. Douglas took down the map and planned the campaign, 
and gave in, most eloquently and vehemently, his strong support to the 
administration and the country. That interview at the White House 
between these three men, Lincoln, Douglas, and Ashmun, should be 
historical. 

" Mr. Ashmun himself briefly abridged the story, and it went by 
telegraph that night all over the country.'' 

The late Chief Justice R. A. Chapman, of the Massa- 
chusetts Supreme Judicial Court, gives his just observations 
of Mr. Ashmun's qualities as a lawyer, and his influence 
with juries : — 

•' No man could sit down to the trial of a cause of which he knew 
nothing beforehand, and try it more acutely and ably than he. He 
comprehended the points with wonderful quickness and was always 



6 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

ready to meet any sudden emergency, and to take advantage of any 
slip or mistake of his adversary. In the cross-examination of witnesses 
he had great power, and had in a wonderful degree the power which 
it was said his father (Hon. Eli P. Ashmun) had of making out his 
case from the testimony of the witnesses called by his adversary. He 
was sometimes rough in cross-examination, and delighted in making 
an opposing witness appear ridiculous; at times he treated the 
opposite party with great severity. These methods of proceeding 
pleased clients and spectators, but such a course was not unpopular. 
If the opposing party was about to have another lawsuit, he was apt to 
retain the advocate who had abused him severely. Two very respect- 
able gentlemen from Chester, Mass., had a lawsuit in which h^ was 
engaged on one side. It was very bitterly contested, and he had 
treated the opposing party with unusual severity. The next day the 
abused party came to retain him in another suit, which he was about to 
commence, and remarked that all he wanted was that he would do as 
well for him as he had done the day before for his adversary. He 
often studied the cause he was to try with great thoroughness, and made 
full preparation for the argument of questions of law. On such occa- 
sions he sometimes worked while others slept. 

•' He had great influence with juries, which was partly derived from 
the strength and power with which he presented his case. He was a 
very able advocate, and sometimes quite eloquent. But he relied much 
more on a strong and sensible presentation of the reasons of his case 
than upon any rhetorical display. His sarcasms were often very 
effective. 

"But a part of his influence at the bar. as well as elsewhere, was 
derived from his knowledge of men. He studied men more thoroughly 
than anything else. He knew the motives that would govern and influ- 
ence a man or a body of men, as hardly any other man knew them. He 
knew how to approach men, and how to lead them ; and while he was not 
a flatterer, he knew how to conciliate them. And while he was a relent- 
less partisan in politics, and spared no opportunity to make a thrust at 
his opponent, there was at the bottom of it all a spirit of liberality and 
good-will toward them personally that kept them on good terms with 
him ; and they were often influenced and led by him. 

'• There are some reasons for believing that if he had been in the 
United States Senate when the Missouri Compromise was repealed, 
his influence with some of the members would have secured the defeat 
of the measure. He went into our Legislature [of Massachusetts] in 
1833, and soon became an influential member, though he did not trouble 
himself with the business of committee rooms to any great extent. 
He preferred to watch, and judge, as far as he might, the business 
that was passing through the House, and expressed his belief that he 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 7 

could be most useful in that way. He certainly acquired great influence 
there, and prevented some mistakes. His views of political affairs 
were generally large and statesmanlike, but as a politician he was 
always true to his party. He could not have been persuaded to sacri- 
fice it to his private interests or private griefs. He was also true to 
his political associates. When some supposed he was sacrificing his 
own political interests to Mr. Winthrop, he could not be persuaded to 
abandon him or to allow his influence to be used to his injury. Other 
instances might be mentioned of his fidelity to political friends when 
his private interests might be supposed to lead him the other way. 
This was especially true in respect to Mr. Webster." 

From Recollections of Society in Washington, in 
Applet ous^ Journal : — 

•' When a man like George Ashmun rose to speak, everybody 
listened. He was a natural born leader. A man of singularly hand- 
some appearance, whose dark eyes, hair, and olive complexion might 
have indicated a native of Southern France or Spain ; he had that 
concentrated nervous power, that ready nerve, which should accompany 
the parliamentary debater. He had great talent, both as a lawyer and 
a politician, yet he never enjoyed the proper reward of either. Look- 
ing at his portrait a lady said to him, 'It is not in a good light.' 
■ Madam,' said he. ' the original never has been.' Yet few men had 
more devoted friends ; he was most brilliant at the dinner table and was 
fond of good living. A devoted friend of Mr. Ashmun declared that 
he ought to have been a duke ; there was something suggestive of 
aristocracy in his appearance and manner. ^Ir. Ashmun belonged to 
that class of -Webster Whigs ' who believed with Mr. Webster and 
followed him into political exile. It was a thousand pities that he 
should ever have been removed from that sphere which he filled with 
such ability. Yet the tide which bore away Mr. Webster and his policy 
swept Mr. Ashmun with it. 

" Mr. Ashmun lived through the Civil War. a most patriotic and 
useful citizen, spending much time at Washington, — a great, tender 
hearted, and attractive man, leaving many a heartache behind him, 
not only for his personal worth and fascination, but that like so many 
great men, he had not been appreciated and rewarded according to his 
deserts. He struggled in early life against the family tendency to con- 
sumption. It was this that drove him so much out of doors, and to his 
free, generous way of living." 

February 2, 183 1, Mr. Ashmun delivered a lecture on 
the "Constitutional History of the Union," in the old 
Masonic hall, on State street. 



5 SKPZTCHES OF THE OLD INHAJ5ITANTS 

Mr. Da\ii) a. Adams, son of Dr. David Adams, of 
Mansfield, Conn., was born F'ebruary6, 1S07. When fifteen 
years old, in 1822, he went to Thompsonville, Conn., and 
was clerk for several years in the store of his brother-in-law, 
James Brewer, who was a partner of James S. Dwight, of 
Springfield. Afterwards Mr. Adams went to New York, 
where he worked in a dry goods store for about one year, 
when he came to Springfield, and for two years was clerk 
for his brother-in-law, James Brewer, who was a hardware 
merchant, having a store on the southeast corner of Main 
and State streets, where the new Masonic building stands. 
He then spent several }'ears learning the trade of silversmith 
of his brother, Henry Adams, who had a shop on Market 
street. 

In 1824, while living in Thompsonville, he was called 
upon to join the military company to go to Hartford to 
attend the reception of General La Fayette, who was then 
on a visit to the United States. When La Fayette entered 
Hartford, a large body of infantry and artillery was ready to 
salute him, and in the yard of the old State House were 800 
children wearing badges with the motto, "iVo/zs voiis aivi- 
oiis, La Fayette^ Mr. Adams had the honor of shaking 
hands with the General. He remembers him as a person 
of medium size, pleasing manners, and of much dignity. 

While in Hartford. La Fayette was presented with the 
epaulettes which he wore as major-general in the Conti- 
nental army, and with the sash which he wore at the battle 
of Brandy wine (September i i, 1777), spotted with the blood 
from a wound received in the leg. 

At one time Mr. Adams had a stock yard near the corner 
of Main and William streets and was in competition with 
Commodore Rogers on the " Hill," who was the only 
butcher in town. 

Mr. Adams was highway surveyor of Springfield between 
1836 and 1852, overseer of the poor for many years, an 
assessor for eleven years, city marshal in 1852-3, deputy 
sheriff in 1855-1860, and 1869. At the first " horse show," 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 9 

which was held in 1856, on Federal Square, Mr. Adams 
was sworn in as a United States deputy sheriff. He was a 
United States assistant assessor during the War of the Re- 
bellion. He was greatly interested in real estate, owning 
land on which, with other parties, he opened West Union 
and William streets, and laid out Morris, Winthrop, and 
Elmwood streets. 

December 3, 1S34, he married Harriet Swift, daughter 
of Dr. Earle Swift, of Mansfield, Conn. December 3, 1884, 
they celebrated their golden wedding at their home on 
Boston road. Children now living (1893) : James S. and 
William F. Adams, of Springfield, and Mrs. Elizabeth L. 
Conant, of Newark, N. J. 

Mr. Henry Adams was born in Mansfield, Conn., March 
30, 1796. He was a representative to the Massachusetts 
Legislature in 185 i, a member of the Common Council in 
the city of Springfield in 1852-53, from Ward six, and an 
alderman from the same ward in 1855. 

In 1825, he married Frances Bliss, daughter of Alexan- 
der Bliss. She was born February 10, [803, and died 
January 11, 1892, aged 8S years, 11 months. Mr. Adams 
died April 29, 1858, aged 62 years. 

Dr. Nathan Adams, son of Judge Rufus Adams, of 

Canterbury, Conn., and Miss Byers, a sister of the late 

James Byers, was born May 6, 18 13. He entered Yale 
College and graduated at the medical department in 1834. 

He came to Springfield in 1838 and for a short time 
practiced his profession. 

He was a memberof the Common Council in 1856 from 
Ward three. 

In 1868 he removed to New Haven, Conn., where he 
remained for several years, but in 1886 he returned to 
Springfield, having purchased a residence at "the High- 
lands," which was ever afterwards his home. 



lO SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 



^ 


A 


f 


O 0^m 




•w i 


^ 


^' .m^ 


^^^^mmm 




r J 


m^ ' 










• 





SVLVANUS AUAMS. 



Portrait taken 1866. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I I 

Dr. Adams was a communicant in the Christ (Episco- 
pal) Church, towards which he was a generous giver. He 
married a Miss Watkinson, of Hartford, Conn. 

His death occurred while on a visit to his daughter, Mrs. 
Egbert, at Marblehead, Mass., October 2, 1888, in the 76th 
year of his age. 

Dr. Adams was of a kindly and genial nature and highly 
esteemed in the communities in which he has resided. Their 
children : one son, one daughter. 

Mr. Sylvanus Adams, born at Holliston, Mass., July 
10, 1 8 10. He early in life became interested in manufact- 
uring. Previous to his removal to Chicopee, Mass., in 
December, 1840, from Lowell, where he was for five or six 
years superintendent of the Merrimac Corporation, he was 
called upon to take charge of the Dwight mills. In the 
course of a few years the three corporations, Dwight, 
Perkins, and Cabot, were consolidated under the name of 
Dwight Manufacturing Company, and Mr. Adams was 
retained in charge of the whole, which he managed success- 
fully for twenty-seven years, until his retirement from 
active life. He was one of the seven directors of the Cabot 
Bank, now the First National Bank of Chicopee, Mass. In 
1848-9, he was elected one of the selectmen of the town. 
He was foremost in organizing the Unitarian Society. He 
was one of the directors of the Holyoke Water Power Com- 
pany, and was one of the originators in the enterprise of 
building the dam across the river at Holyoke. He was a 
director in the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Com- 
pany, Springfield, Mass., from i860 to 1869. He removed 
to Newton, Mass., in August, 1867. 

September 10, 1S35, he married Caroline Wesson. She 
was born in Grafton, Mass., July 16, 18 13. Mr. Adams 
died in Jamaica Plain, Mass., November 16, 1869, aged 59 
years. He was public spirited, highly respected, and loved 
by all who knew him, and was ever regarded as a man of 
strict integrity. 



12 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Mk. Edmund Allen was born in Belchertown, Mass., 
February 25, 1786. He learned the trade of carpenter and 
cabinet-maker in his native town, of Elihu Sanford. Being 
a superior mechanic he applied for a position at the United 
States Armory in Springfield. He was given a place in 
April, 1809. When he received notice that he could have 
the position, he started and by running and walking reached 
the Armory grounds, a distance of nearly fourteen miles, 
in about t'iK.'o hours. l^enjamin Prescott was the super- 
intendent of the Armory at this time. Mr. Allen entered 
the department for stocking guns ; he continued this work 
until 1845. Ii"* 1815 he bought the Luther White place on 
State street, where he resided until 1861, when he sold to 
the Catholics the property which is now covered in part by 
St. Michael's Cathedral. 

While residing in his native town he was noted as a fine 
singer and for a long time was a leading member of the choir 
in the Congregational church there. On his removal to 
Springfield, he joined the choir and was chosen chorister in 
the Unitarian church, Rev. Dr. Peabod}^ which position he 
held nearly three years. 

He was one of the first two members initiated into the 
Hampden Lodge of Masons in 18 17. 

He was agent and had an interest in the Springfield 
Brewery, which was located on the west side of Myrtle 
street. He married, December 22, 18 14, Lucy Gardner, 
daughter of Jonathan Gardner, a merchant in Springfield, 
for many years opposite Court Square. Mr. Allen died at 
South Hadley Falls, Mass., April 8, 1879, aged 93 years. 
Children : four sons, five daughters. His father, Capt. 
Edmund Allen, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. 
He died December 23, 1833, aged 80 years. 

Master Armorer Erskine S. Allin was born at En- 
field, Conn., P^ebruary 3, 1809. Coming to Springfield he 
became an apprentice and watchman, in 1829, under his 
father, Diah Allin, at the U. S. Water Shops. A record at 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 3 

the Armory credits him with 88 cents per day for letting 
in locks. 

In 1842 he was appointed foreman and assistant in- 
spector at the (then) middle Water shops. 

In 1S47 ^""6 was clerk in the paymaster's office, under 
Major Edward Ingersoll. 

He was Acting Master Armorer from October i, 1S47, 
to May I, 1848, but, through General James W. Ripley's 
influence, Secretary of War William L. Marcy appointed 
him permanent Master Armorer. He was also command- 
ing ofificer from August 17, 1854, to October 18, 1854, and 
again from March i, i860, to June 27, i860. During his 
long service of nearly fifty years at the Armory — thirty-one 
years as Master Armorer — he perfected much gun machin- 
ery and devised a model of a muzzle loader turned into a 
breech loader, which improvement he gave to the govern- 
ment. 

Mr. Allin was a member of Hampden Lodge of Masons. 
He was married December i, 1S31, to Fidelia Van Horn of 
Chicopee, Mass. She died January i, 1865. Children: 
one son, one daughter. The son, Albert D., died in 1857, 
aged 21 years. 

His second wife was Fannie T. Saftbrd, daughter of 
Reuben T. Saftord, to whom he was married September i i, 
1867. 

He died September 11, 1879, in the 71st year of his age. 

Mr. Titus Amadon was born at South Wilbraham, 
Mass. (now Hampden), July 7, 1803. He came to Spring- 
field and in May, 1820, at the age of seventeen years, he 
began work at the U. S. Armory, and with an occasional 
absence continued there for nearly sixty years. 

Mr. Amadon was a skillful workman and so accurate 
that it was a common remark with the inspector that "Am- 
adou's work did not require inspection.'" When Col. James 
W. Ripley was appointed military superintendent of the 
Armory, Mr. Amadon, Joseph R. Hopkins, and J. C. Foster 



14 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




'l'iii> iii)u>c >Ioih1 nh .Mill .street, .ukI was No. jji, ilic liuiiic ol i)a\id Ames, 
Sr., after his retirement fiom the superintendency of the United States Armory in 
October, 1802, until his death in August, 1S47. It was the home of Mr. Ames's 
daughter, Mary, until her death in May, 1873, at the age of 88 years, and also of 
his son, fohn Ames, until his death in January, 1S90. In April, 1S90, Horace 
Smith bought the ])roperty of Frederick L. Ames of Boston, and during that year 
the house was torn down, and nothing remains to mark the spot. The house was 
over 100 years old. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 5 

were chosen a committee by the armorers to devise some 
means for its restoration to civil superintendence. They 
all three went to Washington, D. C, and on the 12th of 
April, 1842, had an interview with the Hon. John C. Spen- 
cer, then Secretary of War, and Hon. Isaac C. Bates, U. S. 
Senator from Massachusetts, but were unsuccessful. Mr. 
Amadon was discharged on his return and was out of em- 
ploy for nearly a year when one day Colonel Ripley sent 
for him to come back to work. 

Mr. Amadon was selectman of Springfield from 1844 to 
1848, an assessor and overseer of the poor for several years, 
an alderman from Ward fivein 1853, and a representative of 
the town to the Legislature in 1848, and of the city in 1852, 
1864, and 1867. Mr. Amadon was a great reader, of a 
quiet and modest nature, and an esteemed citizen. He was 
a great lover of fruits and flowers, which he cultivated with 
much enjoyment, in his garden at his residence on Armory 
street. 

He married Eliza Chaffee, of South Wilbraham, Mass., 
May 22, 1828. She was born January 21, 1807, and died 
in Springfield, April 3, 1879, aged 72 years. Mr. Amadon 
died at West Springfield, at the home of his son, William 
W. Amadon, on the 9th of May, 1889, in the 86th year of 
his age. Children : two sons, one daughter. 

Col. David Ames, Sr., son of John and Susanna Ames, 
was born at West Bridgewater, Mass., February 2, 1760. 
His father was one of the first iron manufacturers in New 
England, and was the proprietor of one of those nail and 
slitting mills which the parliament of Great Britain was 
importuned to abolish as nuisances on account of their 
competition with the manufactures of the mother country. 
Mr. Ames in early Fife engaged in the manufacture of 
shovels and guns, and supplied the American army with 
these articles. During the Revolutionary War, he held a 
commission in the militia and was occasionally called into 
service. In 1794, on account of his services and knowledge 



l6 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

of the manufacture of arms, he was appointed by President 
Washington to establish and superintend a national armory 
at Springfield, and under his supervision and direction the 
armory was first commenced and was managed by him from 
1 794 to October 31,1 S02. After leaving the service of the 
government, he gave his attention to the manufacture of 
paper. In this business he was successful and became in 
1838 the proprietor of the most extensive paper manu- 
factory in the United States. Mr. Ames subscribed six 
hundred dollars to the fund for the purchase of the land 
now Court Square. He was known as a man of " sound 
judgment and great business activity and was generously 
disposed to give both publicly and privately for the benefit 
and improvement of the town." 

Mr. Ames was the owner (1810) of the first piano 
brought into Springfield. It attracted much attention and 
people passing by the house would stop and listen to its 
sounds. His wife, Rebecca Ames, was born December 26, 
1759, died June 29, 1834, aged 74 years, 6 months. 

Mr. Ames died August 6, 1847, aged 87 years, 6 months. 

Children : three sons, David, Galen, and John ; one 
daughter, Mary, born September 29, 1784, died May 7, 1873, 
aged 88 years, 7 months. 

"DEED OF THE OLD AMES HOMESTEAD DRAWN UP IN 1 669. 

" Mr. William B. Ames, who owns the old Ames home- 
stead at West Bridgewater, recently unearthed some inter- 
esting old jiapers at the ancient house. 

" Mr. Ames is a lineal descendant of John Ames, from 
whom the Massachusetts Ameses spring. 

"Among the papers is the first deed of the homestead 
ever given, and the fact that it was made in 1669 probably 
makes it one of the oldest documents of the kind preserved 
from early New England times. The instrument is well 
preserved, and nearly every word of the quaint handwriting 
is distinctly legible. The letters are roundly, firmly and 
evenly formed, even if the orthography and punctuation 
are erratic. The text is as follows : — 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 7 

This deede beareing date Juli the two and twentieth and theyeareof 
the Incarnation one thousand six hundred sixty nine, witnesseth that 
1 John Aimes of Bridgewater, planter, in the colony of New Plimoth 
in New England upon consideration doe freely give grant and confirm 
unto John Aimes junior my cousin of the same Towne and Colony 
above sayd to him and his heires for ever, as also to any that he may 
or shall marry and leave his Widdow during her life, if it shall soe fall 
out, certaine tracts of land both Uplands and Meaddows : containing 
so many acres given granted and layd out to mee in the Township of 
Bridgewater, in forme and order as followeth as also the quantity and 
number of acres. 

Ten acres of Upland Lying upon the Towne River joyning to the 
Lands of William Snow on the side Northerly, and to the Lands of 
John Fobes Southerly and twenty acres of Upland more Lying upon a 
brooke Usually called Huless Brooke runing fourty rods in breadth 
and four score in wydth and a certaine parcell of Meadow Layd out 
upon the same brook, and part of it joyning to the same Uplands, the 
quantity of acres not certainely Knowne, the bounds of the sayd 
Meadows being on the Towne Book of Bridgewater. 

Which parcells of Lands with every part there of and all the imu- 
nities and priviledges belonging there unto I the sayd John Aimes have 
given and conferred upon the aforesayd John Aimes my cousin to have 
and to hold to him and to his heires forever and the same quietly and 
peaceably to possess with out the lawfull lett interruption or molesta- 
tion of me the sayd John Aimes above sayd my heirs executors or 
assigns or any other person or persons whatsoever lawfully claiming 
from mee or under mee them or any of them. 

Also I the sayd John Aimes doe bind my selft to doe or performe 
any or all such further act or acts thing or things, nicessary for me to 
performe by the Law or custom established and practiced in the colony 
of New England to and for ensureing the sayd deed of gift upon the 
demand of the sayd John Aimes in convenient time. 

In whitness where of I have sett to my hand and seale one the yeare 
and day above sayd. 

Read sealed and delivered ^^_^^ 

in the presence of John Aimes \ ^ 

William Brett His X mark ,' ' ( 

John Oary ^^. — 

John Howard 

Filed John Ames 

to 

his cousen John Ames Jr 

July 22 1669 

ID acres on River &c 



i8 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




This spacious mansi(./n, 241 Maple slrcct, was the liome lm I'chjm /Uin.-^, Jr., 
until his death in 1SS3. In 1867, Solomon J. Gordon, Esq., of New York city, 
purchased the property, and resided there till his death in 1S91. The house was 
built in 1S26-7. 



AND .MANSIONS OK SP^Rl NGFIELD. 



19 



"The mark which the first of the Ameses made for a 
signature is very intricate, and the seal was apparently 
made with his thumb. On the homestead thus deeded were 
born Oakes Ames and the grandfather of Ex-Governor 
Ames and Frederick Ames. The John Howard whose 
name appears as a witness was the first of that name in this 
country. Among the other papers found with the deed are 
the following : — 

"Assessors' plan of the Oliver Ames farm in West Eridge- 
water; will of Thomas Ames, 1731 ; will of Nathan Ames, 
1756 ; bill of sale of a pew in the new meeting house at 
West Bridgewater, from Jonathan Howard, yeoman, to 
Thomas Ames, blacksmith, 1733 ; Deacon Nathaniel Brett's 
deed to his two daughters, Hannah Howard and Deborah 
Ames, 1774; division of land of Thomas Ames and 
Nathaniel Ames, 1753 ; John Ames and Thomas Ames 
division of land, 1712 (in explanation it is recorded on the 
filing 'John Ames is John 3, son of John 2, who was nephew 
of John I & Thomas is his bro. & John Ames sen. dec'd is 
first John')." 

Mr. David Ames, Jr., manufacturer, son of David Ames, 
Sr.,and Rebecca Ames, was born in Bridgewater, Mass., Au- 
gust 24, 1 79 1. Early in life he engaged in the manufacture 
of paper, and was the active manager in the firm of D. & J. 
Ames (David and John), which was formed after the death 
of their father in 1847. The firm carried on a prosperous 
and extensive business, and became the most famous man- 
ufacturers of paper in the United States, having mills in 
Chicopee Falls, South Hadley Falls, Northampton, Mass., 
Sufifield, Conn., and Springfield. After a period of nearly 
thirty years of remarkable prosperity, during which they 
were induced to make investments in Canadian lumber and 
saw mills, and coal lands in Pennsylvania, the crisis of 
1853 came, and they were obliged to suspend payment. It 
is related that when the firm were at the height of their 
prosperity, their father remonstrated with them because of 



20 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

the lavish way in which they were spending money. They 
replied, " Why, father, the money comes in faster than we 
can spend it ; a thousand dollars a day ! a thousand dollars 
a day ! why, father!" The warning was not heeded, and 
suspension followed. 

Mr. Ames was commissioned paymaster October lo, 
1815, First Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division Mass. 
Vol. Militia. Discharged April 23, 1824. 

He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assur- 
ance Company from May 14, 1827, to October i, 1827, and 
from October 5, 1840, to October 6, 1845. In 1826 he 
married Mary O. Mitchell, daughter of Judge Mitchell, of 
Bridgewater, Mass., born September 3, 1801, died Novem- 
ber 15, 1 861, aged 60 years. Mr. Ames died March 12, 
1883, in the 92d year of his age. Children : one son, five 
daughters. Now living (1893), Mrs. Rebecca Gordon, relict 
of Solomon J. Gordon, Fsq., Misses Mary Ames and 
Elizabeth M. Ames. 

Col. Galen Ames, son of David Ames, Sr., and Re- 
becca Ames, was born on the grounds of the U. S. Armory, 
Springfield, Mass., July 21, 1796. Reentered Yale College 
in 1 8 14. where he remained two years, and afterwards as a 
sailor made a voyage to the eastern quarter of the world. 
On his returning home he began business as a dry goods 
merchant, in 1822. On the 20th of March, 1830, he 
formed a copartnership with Spencer Judd, under the firm 
name of Ames & Judd, having their store on the first floor 
of the building next north of the Corner Book Store, Main 
street. Mr. Ames bought the lot of Jonathan D wight, Sr., 
for $1,700, and built the block. He had as partners, at dif- 
ferent times, E. M. Dwight (who died November 2, 1837), 
firm of Ames & Dwight ; Samuel Raynolds (died June 8, 
1850), firm of Ames & Raynolds: Garry Munson, firm of 
Ames & Munson. 

In 1826 Mr. Ames was chosen lieutenant colonel of 
artillery. First Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division of 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



21 




This mansion, 398 Maple street, was built by David Ames, Sr., in 1S28, for his 
son John, who was expected to reside there upon his marriage, but, as the event 
did not take place, t^ie house remained vacant for a number of years. In July, 
1S56, the Hon. Samuel Knox, of St. Louis, Mo., bought the property, and resided 
there during the summer months. In March, 1S69, he sold it to the late Geo. R. 
Dickinson, who remodeled the house, adding a large e.xtension on the west side. 



22 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, receiving his commission 
from Gov. Levi Lincoln. He was one of the early members 
of the Hampden Lodge of Freemasons, and was one of the 
first Knights Templars in Springfield, having received his 
degree before there was an encampment here. He was 
admitted a member of the First Church May 2, 1824, and was 
one of those who separated from that society to form the 
South Church. He was postmaster of Springfield for a few 
months from July i, 1844. In 1847 he entered the service 
of the Western Railroad, now the Boston & Albany, where 
he remained until 1882, when, his health failing, he retired 
from work. 

For nearly forty years Mr. Ames resided in the house 
which stood where the South Church now is. The house 
was moved afterwards on to Winthrop street. He married 

first Little. He married for a second wife, Eliza Kent 

of West Springfield, daughter of James Kent. She died 
April 3, 1834. 

Colonel Ames died October 30, 1882, aged 86 years, 3 
months. 

Mr. John Ames, " a natural inventor," son of David 
Ames, Sr., and Rebecca Ames, was born Sept. 2, 1800, on 
the U. S. Armory grounds (his father at that time being 
Superintendent of the Armory). While in New York in 
1822 Mr. Ames heard that a machine for making paper had 
been invented at Brandywine, Del., but it not proving a 
success he became interested in it, and went to work, and 
on the 14th of May, 1822, he got his patent for the cylinder 
paper machine. In 1830 he invented and patented a trim- 
ming machine, and in 1831 a cylinder machine. In 1832 
he invented a pulp dresser, in 1834 a cutting machine, 
in 1835 a drying machine, and in 1840 a trimming ma- 
chine ; the last two were not patented. 

During his inventive years Mr. Ames did his utmost to 
prevent his inventions and his methods from being stolen. 
The mill was guarded with great secrecy, the workmen 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 23 

were sworn not to divulge his ideas and plans for the man- 
ufacture of paper. The manufacturers throughout the coun- 
try were watching the marvelous inventions made at the 
Ames Paper Mill. Workmen sought employment in order 
that they might steal the inventions. At one time in a suit 
it came out that one night two men broke into the mill to 
examine the machinery, though, while single patents were 
taken, and used in paper mills throughout the country, no 
one mill had all of his inventions. The firm of D. & J. 
Ames, with their machinery continually im|)roving, were 
able to make better and cheaper paper than their competi- 
tors, and in consequence their business assumed great pro- 
portions for those early da3's of paper making. Mr. Ames 
died January 24, 1890, in the 90th year of his age. Un- 
married. 

Mr. James T. Ames was born in Lowell, Mass., in 1810 ; 
he spent his boyhood days with his father, learning the cut- 
lery business. 

In 1829, he went to Chicopee Falls with his father and 
brother, where they engaged in the manufacture of edge 
tools, and where he remained until 1833. 

In 1834, he removed to Chicopee Center, where the 
Ames Manufacturing Company was established, with 
Edmund D wight, of Boston, president, James T. Ames, 
superintendent, and Nathan P. Ames, agent. The company 
made contracts with the United States government for a 
lot of swords. 

Mr. Ames had a rare genius for inventions ; in company 
with General James of Rhode Island, he invented a ball 
that was afterward patented, and out of which grew the 
necessity of rified cannon. During the War of the Rebellion 
he had large contracts with the government for the making 
of swords, cannon, and for military accouterments, and 
also secured a contract for government mail bags. 

He was one of the original members of the Chester 
Emery Mine, and chairman of the building committee for 



24 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

the Town Hall, and contributed largely to the fund for the 
building of the Third Congregational Church, of which he 
was a member and ardent supporter. 

Mr. Ames was the first to introduce bronze statuary 
work in the United States. His first work was the con- 
struction of the Washington statue, in Union Square, New 
York. The bronze doors of the Senate extension of the 
National Capitol at Washington were made under his 
supervision, and "were masterly specimens of his genius, 
and famous as triumphs of art." 

He took active interest in the afiairs of the town, in the 
erection of the Town Hall and Third Congregational Church. 
The gas works were built by him. 

In 1856, he went to England, where he obtained several 
important contracts, one of which was to furnish the Enfield 
Arms Works (controlled by the English government) with 
machinery for the manufacture of guns of the same pattern 
as that used at the Springfield Armory. He also obtained 
a contract for similar machinery for the Birmingham Small 
Arms Works. He visited France and interested Napoleon 
in the machinery used in the manufacture of arms. He 
met and became acquainted with the designer of the Crystal 
Palace ; through his friendship he was enabled to meet 
nearly all the prominent mechanical engineers of Europe. 
He furnished Spain with machinery for the making of arms. 
He was one of the first to engage in silver plating in this 
country. He was much interested in mineralogy and had 
an unusual and rare collection of minerals. He was a 
" skillful carver in wood, unique figures of which he often 
presented to his friends as keepsakes." 

He married, in 1838, Miss Ellen Huse of Newburyport, 
Mass. Their children, one son, two daughters. Now living, 
Sarah, who married Hon. A. C. Woodworth, president of 
the Ames Manufacturing Company. 

Mr. Ames died February 16, 18S3, aged 72 years, 9 
months. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 25 

Mr. Nathan P. Ames was born in 1803. In 1823 he 
came to Chicopee Falls, and in 1829 established the cutlery 
business, beginning with nine workmen. In 1830 he made 
contracts with the United States government for furnishing 
swords for the army and navy, when the number of work- 
men were increased as needed, until, in 1833, there were 
about thirty men employed. The Ames Manufacturing 
Company having been incorporated in 1834, the business 
was removed to Cabotville, and located in their new shop, 
erected the previous year. The company had a foundry 
for the casting of bells and cannon in connection with the 
manufacture of swords. In 1838 they made a bell for the 
City Hall, New York, which weighed seven thousand 
pounds. Mr. Ames was appointed agent of the company, 

"In 1840 he went to Europe with a board of officers of 
the Ordnance Department of the United States, for the 
purpose of obtaining more information in relation to the 
manufacture of different branches of cutlery and tools, and, 
by visiting the various armories there, to gain the means 
of improving the manufacture of arms for our government." 
Having performed the service with which he was commis- 
sioned, he returned home in May, 1841, with health much 
impaired, and in consequence he retired from the active 
duties of the agency in the autumn of 1845. 

Mr. Ames was a prominent and active member of the 
Congregational church, Chicopee, to which he gave $5,000 
for its erection. 

He died April 23, 1847, at the age of 44 years. 

Mr. William Ames was born in Dedham, Mass.,in 1801. 
His mother was a daughter of Col. John Worthington, who 
bore the sobriquet of one of the " river gods." When a lad 
of eleven years of age William Ames came to Springfield, to 
live with his aunt, the wife of Col. Thomas Dwight, where 
he remained a number of years, and was at one time a clerk 
in the store of J. & E. Dwight. When he came of age he 
returned to Dedham, and soon after engaged in a business 



26 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

enterprise with James K. Mills, of Boston, which not prov- 
ing successful, he retired from mercantile affairs, and de- 
voted himself to literary culture, and historical research and 
study. F"or more than forty years he made his home in 
Dedham, though coming to Springfield every year for visits 
to his relatives. 

His personal appearance when upon our streets attracted 
attention " by his measured tread, moving along in the sum- 
mer days bearing his hat in hand, with a kind expression of 
satisfaction with all mankind." Mr. Ames was "a devout 
Episcopalian, a cultivated Christian gentleman, and was of a 
patriotic nature." When asked one day his opinion of the 
Yankee soldiers, he replied : " The Yankee soldier is active 
and rough, wiry and tough," and on another occasion during 
the rebellion he remarked very gravely, " I wish I had com- 
mand of an earthquake for five minutes, I would place it 
under Charleston, South Carolina." 

He died May 19, 1880, aged 79 years. 

Mr. Roderick Ashley was born in West Springfield, 
Mass., April 17, 1792. When a young man he went West, 
as per the following agreement, from the original : — 

" Roderick Ashley and Heman Ely of West Springfield, Massachu- 
setts, agree as follows: The said Ashley agrees to go to Township No. 
6, in the 17th Range, in the Connecticut Western Reserve, State of 
Ohio, and to work under the direction of the said Ely, at chopping and 
other work, to commence the journey as soon as convenient within two 
weeks, and to work one year from the first day of April next, for two 
hundred dollars the year, and at the rate of twelve dollars per month 
for the time he shall work previous to the said first day of April next. 
And the said Ely agrees to pay the said Ashley as above, and twenty 
dollars more for his expenses in going out, and to furnish the said 
Ashley necessary board and lodging during the time he shall work as 
above mentioned. 

" West Springfield, January 15th, 181 7. 

(Signed duplicates.) Roderick Ashlkv, 

Heman Ely. 

" Witness, Justin Ely, Jr. 

''January 20, 1817. Received twenty dollars for expenses as within." 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 2/ 

On his return to Springfield he engaged in the boating 
business between Springfield and Hartford, being a mem- 
ber of the firm of John Cooley & Co. Transportation Com- 
pany. In 1849, l""^ formed a partnership with Edmund 
Palmer, under the firm name of Palmer & Ashley, and for 
several years they were dealers in coal. Mr. Ashley was a 
member of the Common Council in 1854, from Ward two ; 
an assessor of Springfield from 1853 to 1859 ! ^ director in 
the Agawam Bank, from 1857 to 1868; and a director 
in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from 
October 2, 1865, to October 7, 1872. January 5, 1873, he 
was admitted a mem.ber of the First Congregational Church, 
Rev. H. M. Parsons. Mr. Ashley was a man of strict 
integrity, and a much respected citizen. 

He married Mary Bannister. Mr. Ashley died July 4, 
1878, aged 86 years. Children : two sons. 

Hon. George Bancroft, the eminent historian and dip- 
lomate, son of Rev. Aaron Bancroft, was born in Worcester, 
Mass., October 3, 1800. He was prepared for college at 
Phillips Academy, Exeter, N. H. He entered Harvard Col- 
lege in 1813 and graduated in 1817. The next year he went 
to Germany and entered the University of Gottingen, where 
he remained for two years studying German, French, and 
Italian literature, and the ancient and natural history of 
Greece and Rome. 

In 1820 he was given the degree of Ph.D. by the Uni- 
versity of Gottingen, and in 1870, LL.D. In 1822 he re- 
turned to the United States and accepted for one year the 
office of tutor of Greek in Harvard College. He published 
a. small volume of poems in 1823 ; the same year, in connec- 
tion with Dr. Joseph G. Cogswell, who had been a fellow 
student at GiJttingen, opened the famous "Round Hill 
School" at Northampton, Mass., "an institution which was 
the pioneer in a better system and of more modern classical 
training in America." 

He was elected to the Legislature in 1830 without his 



28 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




49 Chestnut street (built in 1S36), the home of Hon. George Bancroft dur- 
ing his three years' residence in Springfield, afterwards occupied by Jonathan 
Dwight, 2d, Judge Cummings, and later by Hon. George Walker, who died in 
Washington, D. C., January, 18S8. Is now the home of Lieut. Governor William 
H. Haile. A French roof and additicns to the house have been made since it 
was first erected. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 





Portrait £rom a painting by Gustav Richter. 

Autograph written January 7, 1839, when Collector of the Port of Boston. 



30 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

knowledge, and refused to take his seat. In 1834 he pub- 
lished the first volume of his history of the United States 
(Boston). In 1835 at the request of the Young Men's 
Democratic Convention he drafted an address to the people 
of Massachusetts, and in the same year he removed to 
Springfield, and lived in the house, 49Chestnut street, which 
was a gift from Jonathan Dvvight, Jr., to his daughter Sarah 
H., whom Mr. Bancroft married. Mrs. Bancroft died June 
26, 1837, at the age of 34 years. 

On the 4th of July, 1836, he delivered an oration before 
the democracy of Springfield. During his three years' stay 
in Springfield he completed the second volume of his his- 
tory (1838). At this time he had hisofifice on Elm street in 
the block built by James Byers, second floor of which is 
used for lawyers' offices, to which place he moved his library 
from Northampton, Mass. 

In January, 183S, he was appointed by President Martin 
Van Buren collector of the port of Boston, and lived (from 
1838 to 1844) at the corner of Otis street and Winthrop 
place, Boston. He was the Democratic candidate for gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts in 1844. He was ajDpointed Secre- 
tary of the Navy by President James K. Polk, during 
whose term of office (1845 to 1849) the war with Mexico 
was carried on, resulting in the conquest of California. 

He devised and founded the Naval Academy at Annap- 
olis, Md., which was formally opened October 10, 1845, 
having completely set at work this institution alone. 

For one month in 1846 he was Secretary of War pro 
ti'i/i., and gave the order to Gen. Zachary Taylor to march 
to the Rio Grande and into Texas, which was the first oc- 
cupation of that soil by the United States. 

In the latter part of the year of 1846 Mr. Bancroft was 
transferred to the post of minister to Great Britain. In 
May, 1867, he was appointed by President Andrew Johnson 
minister to Prussia, and filled the post of envoy at Berlin. 
In 1868 he was accredited to the North German Confeder- 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 3 I 

ation, and in 1871 to the German Empire. "While at 
Berlin he rendered important service to his country in the 
settlement of the northwestern boundary between the 
United States and the British Dominions. He suggested 
the King of Prussia as arbitrator." 

In 1868 he received the honorary degree of doctor of 
laws from the University of Bonn. He was correspondent 
of the Royal Academy of Berlin, and of the French 
Institute. 

He delivered a memorial address on the Life and Char- 
acter of Abraham Lincoln, at the request of both houses of 
Congress, before them in the House of Representatives on 
the 1 2th of February, 1866. 

Congress elected him a regent of the Smithsonian 
Institution, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of 
General Sherman. 

The third volume of his history was published in 1840, 
Boston. While residing in New York in 1849 ^^ continued 
the work. Volumes four and five appeared in 1852, volume 
six in 1854, volume seven in 1858, volume eight in i860, 
volume nine in 1863 ; four to ten appeared from 1852 to 
1874, volumes eleven and twelve in 1882. The last revised 
edition of the whole work appeared in six volumes (New 
York) 1884 and 1885. 

He had been engaged for more than fifty years in writ- 
ing his history, which he began when a young man. The 
immense amount of labor bestowed upon it was so colossal 
in its purpose, that for years he carried it on at great ex- 
pense and with a large number of assistants ; at one time he 
had twenty clerks employed. 

In 1876, when the Centennial edition of his history was 
published, an intimate friend asked him what he had been 
doing with it, he answered gayly, " Slaughtering adjectives." 
To a personal friend and eminent citizen he wrote, " I 
was trained to look upon life here as a season for labor. 
Being more than fourscore years old, I know the time for 
my release will soon come. Conscious of my being near 



32 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

the shore of eternity, I await without impatience, and with- 
out dread, the beckoning of the hand which will summon me 
to rest." 

He married for his second wife Mrs. Alexander Bliss, 
formerly Betsey Davis of Plymouth, Mass. She died March 
15,1886. Children: two sons, one daughter. He celebrated 
his 90th birthday at his home (during the summer) at New- 
port, R. I. 

Mr. Spofford, the Librarian of Congress, thus char- 
acterized him as " enjoying the most beautiful old age ; 
calm, peaceful, cultured, surrounded by friends, admired and 
revered by a whole nation. The drawing to a close of his 
life is as grand and beautiful, and peaceful, as the gradual 
fall of night on a mountain peak." Mr. Bancroft died Jan- 
uary 17, 1 89 1, at the age of 90 years and 3 months. 

Dr. Matthew Bridge Baker was born in Charlestown, 
Mass., in 1806. He graduated at the medical department of 
Harvard College in 1830. He came to Springfield in 183 1, 
and lived in the house which now stands on the corner of 
State and Maple streets, which formerly stood on the lot now 
occupied by the block on State street in which Dr. S. F. 
Pomeroy recently lived. Dr. Baker made a journey to 
Canada on foot for the purpose of benefiting his health, but 
the disease, consumption, had made such inroads upon him, 
that on his return he was obliged to retire from his practice. 
Dr. Baker was a skillful physician, and greatly esteemed in 
the community in which he had a large practice. 

He married Catharine Catlin. Dr. Bakerdied in Spring- 
field, September 18, 1839, at the age of ^,2, years. C. Alice 
Baker, the historical writer, is their daughter. 

Captain Allen Bangs, son of Zenas and Ruth Bangs, 
was born in Hawley, Mass., June 27, 17S9. When a young 
man he came to Sju-ingfield, and engaged in the flour and 
grain business, having a mill at the south end, on Mill river. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRIN(;F lELI). 33 

He was one of the selectmen of the town in 1824, 1825, 
1826, and 1831. 

April 16, 1816, he was commissioned ensign First Reg- 
iment of Infantry, First Brigade, Fourth Division of Mas- 
sachusetts Volunteer Militia; July 8, 18 19, captain. March 
18. 1825, he was honorably discharged at his own request. 

October 15, 181 5, he married Mary Bangs, daughter of 
Joseph and Desire Bangs, of Hawley, Mass. She was born 
February 28, 1790. Died in Springfield, August 12, 1878, 
aged 88 years. Mr. Bangs died January 24, 1846, in his 
57th year. Children : two sons, four daughters. 

Capt. David Barber was a native of Agawam, or, more 
properly. West Springfield; was born September 24, 1789, 
on what is known as the Kirtland place on the river readjust 
below the south end bridge. Among the incidents of his 
early life was the great freshet of 1801, known as "Jeffer- 
son's Flood." The water rose higher than ever before 
known ; and one night the river swept off the western bank 
near the Barber place, tearing away the entire front part of 
the house, and leaving a roaring flood where the cellar had 
been. The floating front was finally towed ashore far down 
the river, while the back part of the house, which the flood 
left standing, was torn down, and another dwelling was 
erected farther back from the river. 

This was a famous shad fishing place at that time, but 
this excellent fish now so much prized was then lightly 
regarded, and the old inhabitants say that people were 
ashamed to have it known that they made shad a regular 
article of food ; more highly esteemed then were the noble 
salmon which commenced running up early in April and 
were taken in a seine net like shad and often along with 
them ; twenty-nine salmon weighing from twenty to thirty 
pounds apiece were taken in one day at the old fishing place 
near Barber's home. 

When Mr. Barber was five years old, his father, who 
was one of the famous river boatmen of the past, was 



34 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

engaged in boating stone for the old toll bridge across the 
Connecticut from the quarry at Enfield falls. 

The boats were hauled up the river by horse power, the 
horses walking on the beach on the western shore, often 
going far out in the water toward the center of the river to 
avoid shallows, and sometimes swimming the deep holes or 
the mouth of the tributary streams. 

Two boat loads of stone were hauled by a single horse, 
and on one of these horses young Barber, then twelve years 
old, was perched day after day, till the bridge was com- 
pleted. To go down to the falls and back was a regular 
day's work. 

When the bridge was completed Mr. Barber's father 
resumed his former business, taking the boy along with 
him, till ere long young David began to be known as 
Captain Barber, a title which he retained as long as he 
lived. 

When navigation was opened, he was constantly em- 
ployed in transporting freight from Hartford to Springfield 
and the towns above, in the old boats so common on the 
Connecticut river. 

These boats were flat bottomed, about twenty-five or 
tliirty feet long, eight or ten wdde, and usually carried one 
mast, which could be taken down while going under bridges. 
Two men composed the ordinary crew, and fourteen tons 
was considered a full load. In the early part of the cen- 
tury the boats were unprovided with cabins, and the captain 
was accustomed to cast an anchor for the night opposite 
one of the old river taverns that abounded all along the 
Connecticut in those days, and go ashore for the night 
with his cvQw oi (>/u\ 

Sometimes, if the wind was fair, the trip from Spring- 
field to Hartford and return would be made in two days, 
and Mr. Barber related that on one occasion when the 
south wind blew strong, he made the run from Hartford to 
the foot of Elm street in this city, inside of f//n-r //o//rs, corn- 
in"; straight over the falls, it being high water at the time. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 35 

This business of running the falls, especially going down 
stream, was by no means a safe operation, and not a few 
boats were swamped by the raging waters. 

Three boats were wrecked on the falls during one 
spring, and when one of them, which was laden with grain 
in bulk, went down, Mr. Barber's boat was so close upon 
the wreck, that the crew of the sinking craft sprang on 
board at a single bound. 

Of course everybody that worked on a boat held him- 
self ready for a ducking at any minute, but on one occasion 
young Barber came near taking his final plunge. 

He, with two other boys, had come down the river with 
a horse to haul up an empt}' boat from the head of Enfield 
falls. The horse was hitched to the boat by a long rope in 
the usual manner, and one boy remained on shore while the 
other two went on board to make her ready. 

Suddenly the old boat swung out into the current, and 
in an instant was making down stream dragging the poor 
horse backward through the water in a decidedly lively 
manner. 

The boys saw there was no chance of stopping the boat, 
hastily released the horse by cutting the rope, and then 
hurried to lower the mast before they should reach Enheld 
bridge. 

Barely succeeding in this, they shot under the bridge 
like an arrow, and passed the upper falls in safety, but the 
boat lunged on toward the lower falls, was caught by an 
eddy and sank in an instant, young Barber and his comrade 
barely escaping with their lives. 

However, the boys would not give it up, but when the 
flood subsided they succeeded in raising their boat and 
bringing it to Springfield. 

When Mr. Barber was twenty-two years of age, he gave 
up his boating life and took up his abode in Springfield, 
w^here he found work in the filing shop in the Armory. 

This was in iSii, when the coming war with Great 
Britain loomed up in the near future. 



2,6 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHAI51TAXTS 

Benjamin Prescott was then superintendent, and Andrew 
Wilson, an Irishman, filled the position of master armorer. 
Wages, at that time, though better at the Armory than 
outside, were in strange contrast with the pay of the pres- 
ent eight hour hands, and Mr. Barber considered himself 
fortunate in being able to earn thirty dollars a month, while 
the man who could earn a dollar and a half or two dollars 
per day was smart indeed. About one hundred and fifty 
hands were employed at that time, and nearly all the work 
was done by the piece. 

Two years after coming to Springfield Mr. Barber was 
married to a daughter of Colonel Caleb Aspinwall, who 
died in the old and somewhat famous McOuivy house, on 
Maple street on the north corner of Cross street, where 
Taylor's brick block stands. Miss Aspinwall was a resident 
of Portland, Me., and came to Springfield via packet from 
Portland to Boston to visit her brother, then living at the 
Water Shops. 

Soon after she arrived at Boston, the British blockaded 
the port and the entire coast so that she was unable to re- 
turn, but before the blockade was raised she had become 
much interested in a certain armorer. 

Mr. Barber and Miss Aspinwall were married April 3, 
1814, and began life in a house that stood on the present 
site of the estate of the late Aaron Nason, on St. James ave- 
nue, then called Factory road, from the fact of its leading to 
" Skipmuck," where the first cotton factories were built on 
the Chicopee river. This house was moved by Mr. Nason, 
to o[)posite Bowdoin street, and, rather curiously, two 
armorers who were destined to outlive all the rest, David 
Barber and Thomas Warner, commenced housekeeping 
together, the house being divided into two tenements ; 
soon after Mr. Barber bought a lot on State street, where 
the Milton Bradley house now stands, and built the house 
long occupied by the late Benjamin A. Bullard. In 1819 
Mr. Barber bought a lot on Walnut street and built the 
house which now stands on the corner of Union ; the 



AND MANSIONS OF SPKlNtiFIELI). 37 

house was finished and was the third house on the street; 
he moved into it July 3, 1820. 

Walnut street at that time was bordered by thick pine 
woods and was only a sandy road leading to the Water 
Shops, Union street, from Walnut to Oak, having been 
opened in 1830. In opening this latter street, the town 
took one rod from Mr. l^arber's lot, which reached nearly 
through to Oak street, and jjaid him the small sum of one 
hundred dollars. 

Mr. Barber worked in the Armory tifty-hve years. He 
was always a stanch Democrat of the Andrew Jackson 
stamp. 

Mrs. Barber often told of picking huckleberries on both 
sides of the street close to the house, and spoke of the time 
when only two houses were in sight, as the woods shut out 
all view of the little clump of buildings on the Hill, and, 
curiously enough, the front windows of their house com- 
manded a full view of the Connecticut river from the bend 
below the south end bridge to a point near Thompsonville. 
Mr. Barber has often sat by his front window and counted 
as many as six sail boats from Hartford laden with freight 
for Springfield and towns above. 

Mr. I^arber was the fiither of ten children, five boys and 
five girls, four of whom died in infancy : Susan G., the 
eldest, died in 1862 ; the others are J. D. Barber, the well 
known tailor on the Hill, William H., now living at the 
old homestead, Elizabeth H.. who was the wife of J. K. 
Russell, and died in 1878, Atlanta M. A., who is the wife 
of Captain B. W. Jones, of Portland, Me., Mary G., who 
resides at the old homestead, and Samuel A., who lives in 
Boston. 

Mrs. Barber died in 1875, aged 83 years. 

Mr. Barber was the last survivor of the original signers 
of the Unitarian Society in 1819. He died July 30, 1878, 
in the 90th year of his age. 



38 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




MOSES YALE BEACH. 



From a daguerreotype taken in 183S. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 39 

Hon. jMoses Yale Beach was born in VVallingford, 
Conn., January 15, 1800. When a boy he was a fifer in the 
War of 1S12, with the garrison at Fort Hale, New Haven 
harbor. At the age of fourteen years he was an apprentice 
to a Mr. Dewey, a cabinetmaker at Hartford, Conn. About 
the time of his marriage he bought his freedom, having saved 
the money by investing his savings in candles, and doing 
work on his own account in the evenings. In 1820 he 
moved to Northampton, Mass., where he went into business 
with Eli Loveland under the firm of Beach & Loveland. 
In 1822 the firm established a branch in Springfield, on 
Main street, in the block now occupied by W. H. Wright, 
cigar manufacturer. Mr. Beach's work was celebrated, and 
evidences, in the shape of certificates from the various 
county fairs, of superior excellence in workmanship over 
other competitors (among whom were Horace Lee and 
John Holbrook), are in the possession of his descendants. 
In 1S25 he was in partnership with Theodore Ashley, 
under the firm of Beach & Ashley. Mr. Beach had the 
secret of veneering with mahogan}' (a veiy expensive wood 
in those davs) common pine wood balls. His competitors 
couldn't do it, and they couldn't find out how he did it. 
These balls were used to ornament sideboards, looking- 
glass frames, etc., and to this day considerable of Mr. 
Beach's fine cabinetwork is to be found in the old residences 
of Springfield. He was among the first to spend money in 
establishing stern wheel steamboating on the Connecticut 
river, between Springfield and Hartford, and devised a plan 
for taking a steamboat over the falls at Enfield, but was not 
able financially to carry it out himself. 

He believed that he virtually ran the first steamboat on 
the Connecticut river between Springfield and Hadley. 
Mr. Beach built the brick house, 5 i Court street, in the rear 
of the " old Court House." At that time it was two stories. 
Four of Mr. Beach's sons were born in this house. In 
1829 Mr. Beach sold the house to Rev. George Nichols, 
who afterwards sold it to E. D. Bangs, who opened a private 



40 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

school, and for many years C. C. Burnett carried on a school 
there. 

Mr. Beach was one of the original incorporators (in 
1827) of the St. Paul's Universalist Church in Springfield. 

He invented a rag cutting machine, to be used in paper 
mills, which he patented. This machine improved is now 
used in all paper mills. D. & J. Ames, and X. P. Ames, of 
Chicopee, were always calling upon him for improved device. 

In 1829 he removed to Saugertics, Ulster county, N. Y , 
where he had purchased an interest in a paper mill, in which 
he introduced many improvements. He was chosen one ot 
the trustees of the village, and organized the fire depart- 
ment, purchasing the first engine. 

In 1835 he removed to the city of New York, where he 
purchased for $40,000 of his brother-in-law Benjamin H. 
Day, the New York Daily S/tn, then two years old, the first 
penny paper. Mr. Beach made this newspaper the great 
business of his life, and to him it owes its early reputation. 
By his energy and enterprise he made a success for his 
newspaper, and a fortune for himself. In those days "pony 
express " was employed, and his advice to his sons was, 
"Get the news always, and always get it first if you can." 
He with Mr. Hallock established the "Associated Press."' 
He also established a book agency, buying of Harper Broth- 
ers, and other publishers, whole editions of their publications, 
and sending paper covered novels with his own papers to 
more than two hundred agents in all parts of the country. 
This business he finally sold to Dexter & Brother. Upon 
Mr. Beach's lines the Great American News Company came 
into existence. 

In 1846 he was sent by President James K. Polk as a 
special agent to Mexico to arrange a treaty of peace. He 
was eminently successful in negotiating a basis upon which 
the war with Mexico was finally ended. Sam Houston 
always declared that Texas owes much to the advocacy of 
Moses Y. Beach. In May, 1847, he took passage on the 
steamer Jlfassac/n/setts, from \"era Cruz for New Orleans. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 4[ 

Mr. Beach was prominent in banking and other financial 
operations. He established a number of banks in the 
states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, 
and Florida. Some of these banks are still in existence, 
and now doing business under the national banking laws. 

Mr. Beach retired from the management of the .SV/// in 
1849. During the "gold fever" he equipped, and sent a 
vessel to California, which was a profitable venture. In 
1850 he built a costly residence in his native town of 
Wallingford, Conn., where he spent the remainder of his life, 
leaving home only once, in 1856, for the purpose of spending 
a year in Europe for the benefit of his health. He was a 
promoter of free public education, and gave some $10,000 
and a valuable piece of land for the high school of his native 
town. 

The following notice of his business appeared in the 
Rcpublicixn in 1828 : — 

'■'■U'aicJi, and wlien it codu's around ca/ch it. 

•'A genteel assortment of cabinet furniture made in modern style, 
with a general assortment of stock commonly found in a cabinet estab- 
lishment, for sale at moderate prices if called for soon. 

" fSs^All persons having demands against this establishment, in 
cabinet furniture, will find it for their advantage to call immediately. 

•wanted: 

'• Maple bedstead timber. 

'^M. Y. BEACH, 
" Opposite the Stage House. 
"Springfield, Feb. 18, 1828." 

Hediedat Wallingford, Conn., July 17, 1868, of paralysis, 
aged 6'^ years. 6 months. His wife, Nancy (Day) Beach, 
died in New York city, August 12, 18S0, aged 78 years. 
Children : fiv-e sons, three daughters, of whom two sons 
and one daughter are now living (1893). Mr. Beach's only 
sister, Sally Beach, married Horatio Green of West Spring- 
field. She died in 1881, aged 83 years. 

Mr. Benj.amin Belcher was born in Taunton, Mass., in 
1765. He came to Chicopee Falls about the year 1802, and 



42 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Started an iron foundry, the ore being dug from near the 
banks of Chicopee river. In a few years his son, Bildad B., 
was admitted as a partner. He married Sarah, daughter 
of John and Jemima Barney, of Taunton, Mass. She died 
in Chicopee Falls, October 14, 1869, aged 98 years, 3 
months, 18 days. In 18 15 he built the house in which he 
lived. He died December 17, 1833, aged 68 years. 

Mr. Bildad B. Belcher was the son of Benjamin 
Belcher and Sarah (Barney) I^elcher, of Taunton, Mass., 
where he was born June 17, 18 12. He received a good 
education at the public school, and was for several years a 
teacher in the public schools at Chicopee Falls, and other 
places. He afterwards became a partner with his father in the 
foundry business, under the firm of Benjamin Belcher & Co. 

He began the manufacture of agricultural tools in 1852. 
Their factory was on the south side of Chicopee river, but 
was burned down in i860. He then built and located on 
the north side of the river, and in 1862 associated with 
George S. Taylor, and they formed the Belcher & Taylor 
Agricultural Tool Company. Mr. Belcher was the first 
agent of the company, and afterwards was its president. 
When Chicopee was organized as a town, he was one of the 
board of selectmen, and for many years was a member of 
that board, and of the school committee, also one of the 
assessors. He was clerk of the Congregational society, 
which position he held for several years, and was prominent 
in church affairs. He died in Chicopee Falls, January 27, 
1888, aged 75 years, 7 months, lo days. His wife, Adel- 
phia J., died September 10, 1849. 

Mr. Rorert E. Beimis, born in Watertown, Mass., in 
1798, was the son of Luke and Hannah Bemis. When a 
young man he went to Harvard College, where he remained 
about three years, but did not graduate. He afterwards 
entered into a countingroom in Boston, where he received 
some training in the business of cotton mills. In 1833 he 



AND .MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. _ 43 

came to Cabotville and was the first agent of the Cabot 
Manufacturing Company, beginning April i, 1834, and 
remained manager for twenty years. He was a director of 
the Cabot Bank, now the First National Bank of Chicopee. 
About the year 1858 he engaged in the coal business, 
which he carried on for several years. In 1853 he was 
one of the assessors of the town. 

He married Martha Wheatland, daughter of Richard 
and Martha Wheatland, of Salem, Mass., where she was 
born. She died in Chicopee, December 16, 1872, aged 65 
years, 6 months, 26 days. Mr. Bemis was one of the special 
commissioners of Hampden county in 1853-54-55 and 56. 
He died March 15, 1873, aged 74 years, 9 months, 1 1 days. 
Children : one son, four daughters. 

Hon. Stephen Chapin Bemis, born at Harvard, Mass., 
November 28, 1802, was the son of Rev. Stephen Bemis of 
that town. When fourteen years of age he went to Chicopee 
(street), and entered the store of Deacon Joseph Pease as 
clerk. In 1820, at the age of eighteen, he was admitted a 
partner with Deacon Pease, and later bought him out. In 
1824 he formed a partnership with Chester W. Chapin, 
under the firm name of Chapin & Bemis, and engaged in 
business at the old stand of Deacon Pease, which was con- 
tinued for a short time, when the partnership was dissolved. 
He was afterward in [)artnership with Sylvester Chapin. 
He was appointed postmaster at Chicopee, February 10, 
1824, and fire warden in 1829-30. About 1830, Mr. Bemis 
built a factory and boarding houses at Willimansett. In 
1 83 I, he removed there from Chicopee street, and engaged 
in the manufacture of machine cards and a variety of 
mechanical tools, having at one time a Mr. Sheffield as 
partner, under the firm name of Bemis & Sheffield, agents 
for the Willimansett Manufacturing Company, and carried 
on a general merchandise store. In 1831, the factory was 
destroyed by fire, but was soon afterwards rebuilt. In 1834 
he was tax collector for the town of Springfield. In 1835 



44 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHAUITANTS 





1 


M ""^ 




.^^K^i^ '"tw**^^ 


i 


'^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H 


^ 


'v^.^ /■ ■■■ ^ "^ ^^ 






^. 




AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 45 

he was chosen a selectman. Mr. Bemis was among the 
first to engage in the manufacture of hardware in the Con- 
necticut valley. About the year 1840, he founded the 
Bemis & Call Hardware and Tool Company of Springfield 
(Stephen C. Bemis and Amos Call). The company has 
been a prosperous one, and still maintains its high reputa- 
tion for the excellent quality of its manufactured goods. 

He removed to Springfield in 1843, and engaged in the 
hardware business in Byers block on Elm street ; after- 
ward removed to Main street near the old Exchange Hotel, 
recently torn down. About 1845, '""^ engaged in the coal 
business ; at that time the late lidmund Palmer was the 
only person in the trade. In 1850, he removed his store to 
the Pynchon House block, and in 1853 he sold out his hard- 
ware business to his son, S. Augustus Bemis, and H. C. 
Miner ; and, in connection with Chester W. Chapin, erected 
the building" on Taylor street, now occupied by Bemis & 
Collins, to which he removed, and continued the coal busi- 
ness, and in addition the iron and steel trade. In 1837, ^""c 
was a representative in the Legislature. He was assistant 
engineer of the fire department of the city of Springfield. 
He was president of Hampden Savings Bank in 1856-57- 
58 and 59, and alderman in 1856-57-58, from Ward four, 
and mayor in 1861-62. In 1855 he resigned the active 
management of the Bemis & Call Company to his son, 
W. Chaplin Bemis, and Amos Call. On account of his 
health, which had been much impaired by his active and 
close attention to his large business interests, he retired 
from business in 1868. In politics Mr. Bemis was a Whig 
until 1838, when he imbibed the principles of Jefferson and 
Jackson Democracy, and forever after was a sterling and 
aggressive Democrat. 

In November, 1828, he married Julia E. Skeel, daugh- 
ter of Otis Skeel of Chicopee. Mr. Bemis died I'^ebruary 
12, 1875, aged 73 years. Children: six sons, two daugh- 
ters. 



46 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




This gambrel roof house, i6 and iS Dvvight street, was built about the year 
1760, and formerly stood on State street on the lot next east of the city library 
building, and was owned and occupied by Elijah Illake until its removal to the 
present location. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD 47 

Mr. Elijah Blake was born in Torrington, Conn., 
June 26, 1784. He began to learn the trade of a shoemaker 
at Winchester, Conn., where, in 1798. his father had moved 
with the family. He came to Springfield in 1805, antl 
worked at his trade in a small shop near what is now the 
corner of Main and Fremont streets. About the year 1808 
he engaged in the shoe and leather business on his own 
account, and afterwards Joel Kendall became a partner, 
under the firm name of Blake & Kendall. In 1810 he had 
as a partner in business Eli Moore. From the age of 
eighteen to twenty-four he did military duty, chiefly in 
Connecticut. About 1809, he joined the Springfield Fire 
Department, and in 18 19, was chosen foreman, and about 
the year 1830, he vvas elected chief engineer, and held the 
position until 1844. 

Mr. l^lake held many town and cily offices. He was a 
member of the board of selectmen in 1829-30-31; one of the 
overseers of the poor in 1853, 1854, 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859; 
overseer House of Correction, 1853, 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857. 
1858, 1859; member of the school committee and served 
on the board of health. In 1855, Mr. Blake sold his shoe 
business to the late John R. Hi.xon. During his service in 
the fire department, there were only two hand-engines in 
the town. One of these was owned by the United States 
government, and was located at the Armor}', on the " Hill." 
In those days, every householder was required to keep at 
hand, two fire buckets for use against fire, and members of 
the fire department were exempted by law from military 
duty. He represented the town in the Legislature in 1838, 
and was one of the subscribers to the fund for building the 
First Church, and in 18 19 paid $250 to the fund for the 
purchase of Court Square, in which he took much interest, 
improving the same by setting out trees on the west side, 
several of which, however, have recently been removed. 
Blake was the first president of the Hami)dcn Mechanics' 
Association, organized in January, 1824. He held the 
office until 1830. In 1844 the association retired from its 



48 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

usefulness. He was treasurer (first to hold the office) of 
the Springfield Cemetery Association, from 1841 to 1842. 
He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assur- 
ance Company from October 22, 1849, to May 8, 1880, and 
its president from October 11, 1850, until October 4, 1869, 
when he resigned. 

He married Amelia Bronson of Winchester, Conn., born 
in 1787, died February 20, 1852, aged 65 years. Children : 
four sons, two daughters. His second wife was Miss Chloe 
Bliss, whom he married in 1854. She died January 19, 
1887, aged 84 years. Mr. Blake died May 8, 1880, at the 
age of nearly 96 years, at his residence on State street, 
which he built in 1839. For his long and faithful services 
in the fire department, the citizens of the town presented 
him with a silver pitcher, on which is the following 
inscription : — 

•• Presented by the citizens of Springfield, to Elijah Blake, in token 
of their regard for his long devotion to the duties of Chief Engineer of 
the Fire Department. July 4, 1844." 

The gift was accompanied by a letter signed in behalf of 
the citizens generally, by John Howard and James Brewer. 
On receipt of the gift, Mr. Blake replied as follows : — 

"Though nominally retired from the service, and although the frosts 
of sixty winters have passed over my head, yet I assure my fellow 
citizens that so long as health and strength will permit, I shall ever 
hold myself in readiness to render all the assistance in my power to 
protect their homes and property from the ravages of fire." 

Mr. EzEKiEL Blake, son of Enos and Elizabeth Blake, 
was born at Chester, N. H., January 9, 18 11. When a boy 
he worked in the cooper shop of his father. At the age of 
seventeen years he went to Methuen, Mass., where he 
found work in a cotton mill, agreeing to stay three years, 
for $50 for the first year, $100 for the second, and $120 for 
the third, inclusive of board. By his diligence he soon 
became an overseer in the mills. 

In 1835 he was overseer of the weaving in the Boott 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 49 

Corporation at Lowell, Mass., Kirk Boott, first agent and 
treasurer, where he remained five years, when in 1840 
he was offered a position by the Anioskeag Corporation, 
at Manchester, N. H., which he accepted. He held this 
position until the year 1846, when he resigned to accept the 
agency of the Chicopee Manufacturing Company, at Chico- 
pee Falls, holding the position until his death in 1872, a 
continuous service of twenty-seven years. He was presi- 
dent of the Belcher & Taylor Agricultural Tool Company, 
also president of the Bay State Faucet and Valve Company. 

In his twenty-first year he joined the Baptist church in 
Methuen, Mass. Mr. Blake was of a kindly nature, an 
honest man, and a sincere Christian. 

In 1833 he married Miss Mercie Perkins, of Jafl"rey, 
N. H. Mr, Blake died November 27, 1872, aged 61 years, 
10 months, 18 days. 

Mr. Thomas Blanciiard, the inventor, son of Samuel 
Blanchard, of Huguenot descent, was born at Sutton, Mass., 
June 24, 1788. When eighteen years old he showed much 
mechanical genius. He was associated with his brother 
Stephen in the manufacture of tacks by hand. In 1806 he 
invented a machine by which tacks could be made more 
])erfect than those made by hand. He sold this patent for 
$5,000 to a company which went into their manufacture. 

He afterwards invented a machine for turning and fin- 
ishing gun barrels, by a single operation. This invention 
he extended to the turning of all kinds of irregular forms, 
which was one of the most remarkable inventions made in 
this century. During this time he was employed at the 
U. S. Armory. He received nine cents from the govern- 
ment for each musket made by his machines, and this was 
his only pay during the first term of his patent originally 
granted in 1820. In 1831 he received a patent for an im- 
proved form of steamboat stern wheel, which was used on 
the Connecticut river between Springfield and Hartford, 
Conn., and on some of the western rivers. 



so 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




The home of Thomas Bhinchard (horn 1825 to about 1840) while building his 
steamboats to run on the Connecticut river. The i)roperty is now owned and 
occupied by Leonard Clark, and is on the corner of Main and Wilcox streets. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPI<IN( iFI ELD. 



51 




THOMAS BLAXCIIARI), 



52 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

He built the steamboat Blaiicliard, which was launched 
in 1828 ; steamer ]\'n)iont. built on the lot corner of Main 
street and Hubbard avenue, launched in 1829; steamer 
Massachusetts, which was launched. April 14, 183 1, and 
made her first trip June 4, 1831 ; steamboat Agazvam, 
built for Frink & Chapin, launched in 1837. 

He introduced many improvements in the construction 
of railroads and locomotives. About 1826 he made a steam 
wagon,* which was the first vehicle of the kind made in this 
country. " It was brought to such a degree of perfection 
that it was pronounced a success, and he therefore patented 
it." In 1 85 I he devised a process for bending timber, by 
steaming, for knees of vessels, arm chairs, thills, wheel 
felloes, and handles of shovels. He constructed machines 
for cutting and folding envelopes at a single operation. It 
is related that when he went to Washington to exhibit his 
machine for turning irregular forms, while after a patent, a 
naval officer asked him if he could turn a seventy-four. 
"Yes," he replied, "if you will furnish a block." 

To quote an expert of long experience in patent cases : — 

" It would be difficult, and, so far as I know, entirely impracticable, 
to make small arms, such as rifles, pistols, etc., to have their parts 
interchange, without Blanchard's inventions, and this view is corrobo- 
rated by the fact that they are found in every establishment where such 
arms are made. For some of his contrivances, such as mortising in 
the locks, no substitutes have ever been found, and now, after the 
lapse of half a century, among the great inventions of the day his hold 
their place, for the most part unobscured and unimproved." 

Mr. Blanchard was awarded more than twenty-five 
patents for his inventions, from some of which he received 
an ample compensation. 

Samuel S. Blanchard, Esq., of Boston, a nephew of 
Thomas Blanchard, relates that the late^Chester VV. Chapin 
said to him only a short time before his death that " to 
Thomas Blanchard he gave the credit of having started him 
on the road to fortune, the steamboat enterprise coming as 



*The writer of tills when a boy saw it move up Main street on its trial trip. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 53 

it did between the days of the stage coach and steam cars." 

His first wife, Sarah S., died July 20, 1S34, aged 41 years. 

Children : one son, two daughters. He married for a second 

wife, Laura Shaw. He died in Boston, April 16, 1864, 

aged 75 years, 10 months nearly, and was buried at Mount 

Auburn. 

" STEAMBOAT BLAXCHARD. 

Being conveniently fitted up for the purpose, and the subscriber having 
been charged with the command of her, will accommodate individuals 
or parties on excursions of pleasure or business. 

'•T. B LAN CHARD. 
" SPRiNGFiELr). September 17, 182S." 

"STEAMBOAT BLANCHARD 
Will leave Springfield every day at 7 o'clock, A. Ri., for Hartford, 
and will leave Hartford for Springfield every day at 1-2 past i o'clock, 
p. M., Sundays e.xcepted. Fare, one dollar each way. Freight at the 
usual prices. Parties of ten or more, on application the day previous, 
may go and return for one dollar and fifty cents. 
" May 12, 1830'" 

The following editorial notice ap[)eared May 13, 1829: — 
"THE NEW STEAM FALLS BOAT, VERMONT. 
Built by our ingenious and enterprising townsman. Thomas Blanchard, 
was on Friday last carted from his shop through Main street to the 
middle landing, and in the afternoon was launched into her destined 
element in gallant style, accompanied by an excellent band of music 
and the loud huzzas of a large concourse of spectators. 

"The Vermont \^ a falls boat of a handsome model, is 75 feet in 
length, 1 5 feet breadth of beam, with a promenade deck, has two cabins 
forward, with the engine aft and the wheel at the stern. 

•'This is the first steamboat with engine complete ever built in this 
town, and, if we are not mistaken, the first ever built in th's state, or on 
the borders of the Connecticut river. 

■' She is intended to ply in the river between Hartford and Bellows 
Falls and elsewhere." 

Mr. Alexander Bliss, born October 11, 1753, was a 
farmer and tanner, having a yard on Main street near what is 
now East William street. He owned the land that is now 
Margaret street, to the river, and a part of the land where 
the Springfield Cemetery now is, which includes "Martha's 



54 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




ALKXANDER JiLlSS. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



55 




Mrs. ALEXANDER I'.LISS, 
}ii-e Abk.aii. Wi M.I a MS. 



56 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Dingle," so called from Martha Ferre, who owned the land, 
and was disposed to sell it, as it is related, for the purpose of 
raising means to purchase a "wedding gown " for her mar- 
riage. Mr. Bliss, and Margaret, his wife, were admitted 
members of the First Church, December, 1785. Helivedin 
the house on Main street, now corner of Margaret street, 
which was built about the year 1770. He subscribed $200 
to the fund for the purchase of the land now Court Square. 
He was married November 18, 1784, to Margaret War- 
ner. She was born November 29, 1759; died March 21, 
1788, in the 29th year of her age. Children: one son, one 
daughter. His second wife was Abigail Williams, of Ro.\- 
bury, Mass., to whom he was married in 1790. She was 
born August 31, 1768, died July 6, 1807, aged 39 years. 
She was a lineal descendant of the Rev. Dr. Stephen 
Williams, whose house at Deerfield, Mass., was burned by 
the Indians, and the inmates killed or made captives Feb- 
ruary 29, 1704. Their children : six sons, four daughters. 
Mr. Bliss was married to his third wife, Widow Lucy 
Gardner, of Boston, January 6, 1811. She died May 13, 
1851, aged 89 years. Mr. Bliss died July 18, 1843, in the 
coth year of his age. 

Mr. Elijah Williams Bliss, son of Alexander Bliss and 
Abigail Williams, was born March 13, 1796. He succeeded 
his father in the tannery business on Main street, now near 
the corner of East William street. About the year 1847, 
he sold out his business and opened a marble yard, close to 
his former place, which he continued until 1862. Having 
inherited a large landed estate, he opened Margaret street. 
Mr. Bliss was a director in the Chicopee Bank of Spring- 
field, now Chicopee National, from 1850 until 1870, when he 
resigned. 

He was married November 17, 1818, to Orphane King, 
daughter of Benjamin and Rachel King. She was born in 
Harwinton, Conn., November 14. 1801, and died May 22, 
1867, aged 65 years, 6 months. They had thirteen children ; 



AXD MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 57 

only one, Benjamin K. Bliss of Boston, is now living. Mr. 
E. \V. Bliss married for his second wife Widow Emily 
Page. 

Mr. Bliss died August 15, 1872, aged -jG years and 5 
months. 

Hon. George Bliss, Sr., was born in Springfield, De- 
cember 13. 1764. He graduated at Yale College in 17S4. 
Studied law with his father, Hon. Moses Bliss ; during that 
time he enlisted as a private in a company of volunteers, 
and was active in the cause of the government at the time 
of the Shays Rebellion. He was admitted to practice as 
an attorney in 1787, and became an eminent lawyer. 

In 1800, during the administration of Governor Caleb 
Strong, he was a member of the House of Representatives, 
and a member of the Senate in 1805. ^^ was selectman 
of the town in 1S03, 1804, 1806. 1808, 1809, and 18 10. In 
1808 he was elected a member of the board of visitors of 
Andover Theological Institution : his term of office ended 
in 1826. He was a member of the memorable Hartford 
convention in December, 18 14 (of the twenty-six members 
seventeen were lawyers^ which is a prominent feature in 
the political history of New England. In 1787 he was 
admitted to the First Church (Rev. Dr. Bezaleel Howard) 
iVom the church at Yale College. He was a trustee of 
Williams College from 1820 to 1825. In 1823 Harvard 
College conferred upon him the degree of LL.D. 

May 22, 1789. he married Hannah Clark, daughter of 
Dr. John Clark and Jerusha(Huntington) Clark of Lebanon. 
Conn. She was born May 19. 1764, and died September 19. 
1795, aged 31 years. In May, 1799, he married for a second 
wife Mary Lathrop, daughter of John Lathrop of New 
Haven, Conn. She died May i, 1803. In November, 1804, 
he married for a third wife Abigail Rowland of Windsor, 
Conn. She died January 21. 1832. Mr. Bliss died March 
8, 1830, aged 65 years. Children : one son and one daugh- 
ter. 



58 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




No. 531 Main street was the home of the Hon. George Bliss, Sr. After his 
death it was occupied by Capt. Henry Ikmker, Rodolphus Kinsley, Robert Cros- 
sett, and I-evi P. Rowland. It is now owned by McGregory & Gasman. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 59 

On the death of Mr. Bliss the followhig tribute appeared 
in the American Jurist in 1830 : — 

■' In his whole bearing as a jurist, and in all his various relations at 
the bar, he was eminently distinguished by fidelity, integrity, honesty 
of purpose, and high moral purity. His manners were the semblance 
of austerity, yet such was not his temperament. The appearance 
arose entirely from his being habitually a man of thoughtfulness. His 
conversation was full of instruction enlivened with interesting anec- 
dotes and occasional sallies of wit." 

William G. Bates, Esq., in his address delivered at the 
dedication of the New Court House, April 28, 1874, in his 
sketches of the early members of the bar of the old 
county of Hampshire and the county of Hampden relates 
this of "Master George" (Bliss), as he was familiarly 
spoken of, owing to his custom of having a number of stu- 
dents receiving instruction upon the different branches of 
the law : — 

" As a technical lawyer he was without a peer. I heard it related 
that having subjected an opposing lawyer to the imposition of terms 
by a successful plea in abatement, the latter in reading a writ read as 
follows : ' For that the said defendant, in the year of our Lord and 
Saviour, Jesus Christ,' — 'What,' said the Judge, ' is the occasion of 
that profanity?' ' Why.' said the witty relative, -I thought that if I 
did not allege what Lord it was, my cousin George would plead in 
abatement ! ' " 

Hon. and Col. George Bliss, Jr., son of George Bliss, 
Sr., and Hannah Clark, was born November 16, 1793. He 
graduated at Vale College in 18 12, and studied law in the 
office of his father, and was admitted to the bar in 18 15. He 
commenced practice in Monson, Mass., but soon after 
removed to Springfield, and went into partnership with his 
father-in-law, Jonathan Dwight, Jr., under the firm of 
Dwight & Bliss. 

In the War of 1 8 12 he was an aid to General Jacob Bliss, 
from whence he gained the title of Colonel. He was a 
member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 
1827, 1828, 1831, 1832, 1833, 1839, and 1853, the latter 



6o 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




The home of the late ilmi dcorge Bliss, 25 ClRstnut street, built in 1824-25. 
It formerly stood where is now Christ Episcopal Church, and is owned by that 
society, and used as a rectory. It was moved to its present location in 1S73. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



6l 



/ir- 





y. 



Autograph written June 20, 1S34. 



62 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

year speaker of the house ; a member of the Senate in 
1835, ^'"^d was elected president of that body in place of the 
Hon. B. T. Pickman, deceased. 

He was a member of Governor George N. Briggs's 
(executive) council in 1848-49, and a presidential elector 
in 1852. 

Colonel Bliss was greatly interested in and was one of the 
projectors of the Western Railroad (now the Boston & 
Albany), and eventually gave his whole time and attention 
to it, and was its general agent and president from 1836 to 
1842. He was one of the earliest associates in the move- 
ment for the building of the Springfield & Hartford Rail- 
road. He was president of the Michigan Southern Railroad 
from 1850 to 1852 and from 1853 to i860, and president of 
the Chicago & Mississippi Railroad in 1853 and 1854. 

Colonel Bliss was a director and the first president of 
the Chicopee Bank, now the Chicopee National Bank, of 
Springfield, which was opened for business in 1836. 

At the first meeting of the new organization of the City 
Library Association he gave the land on which the library 
building stands, and $10,000 in cash. 

He gave to the building fund for the erection of the 
Church of the Unity 1^7,500, being the third largest sub- 
scription for that purpose, and gave aid to the Home for 
the Friendless, and other local charities. 

He was president of the Springfield Cemetery from 
1847 to 1872. He served eleven years as treasurer of the 
Unitarian Society, from 1831 to 1842. 

April 20, 1825, he married Mary Shepard Uwight, 
daughter of Jonathan Dwight, 2d, and Sarah Shepard 
Dvvight. She was born February 28, 1801, and died 
April 12, 1870, aged 69 years. 

Colonel Bliss died April 19, 1873, in the 80th year of 
his age. Children : Colonel George Bliss, New York city, 
and Mrs. Sarah Dwight Walker, relict of Hon. George 
Walker. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 6^ 

Gen. Jacob Bliss, son of Jedediah Bliss and Miriam 
Hitchcock, was born in Springfield, Mass., IMarch 12, 176^. 
He was largely engaged in business, having a flour mill and 
saw mill on Mill river and a run of machines for i)icking 
and carding wool 

In 1807 he was collector of taxes and was paid $68 for 
the service. In 18 14 he was a representative of the town 
to the Legislature, and one of the selectmen in 18 17, 1818, 
1 8 19, and 1820. During the War of 18 12 and 181 5 he com- 
manded a brigade of detached corps of three regiments of 
Western Massachusetts troops, under Gen. Whiton (pur- 
suant to general orders of September 6, 18 14), which were 
stationed at or near Commercial Point, Boston. His son, 
Jacob Bliss, Jr., w^as second corporal in Capt. Joseph 
Carew's company in Lieut. Col. Enos Foot's regiment of 
Gen. Bliss's brigade in 18 14. Corporal Bliss died in New 
Orleans, October 13, 1819, in the 25th year of his age. 

General Bliss was a director in the Springfield Mutual 
Fire Assurance Company from May 14, 1827, to October i, 
1827. He married in 1788, Mary Collins, daughter of Ariel 
Collins. She was born in Springfield, June 12, 1765, and 
died October 14, 1854, aged 89 years, 4 months. 

Captain Bliss and his wife were admitted members of 
the First Church in April, 1795, during the pastorate of 
Rev. Bezaleel Howard. 

General Bliss died March 27, 1829, aged 66 years, 15 
days. Children : seven sons, three daughters. 

The following orders of General Bliss, when an artillery 
officer, are in the possession of a descendant of Sergeant 

Stebbins : — 

Si'Ki.\(;F]i:Lr), August 25, 1798. 
Mr. Walter Stebiiixs. Sargkant of Arth^lerv: 

S/r, — You are requested to warn that part of the Company that 
you lastly warned : — Warn them to appear at Longmeadow the 4th day 
of Sept. next, at Nine o'clock in the morning, with their Uniforms & 
sword's, also with a Black Cockade in their hats. 

JACOB BLISS, 

Ca/>/. Artillery. 



64 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




(i/'i 1 I 



insfiliSpP 



Home of General ]acol) lili.ss, South Main street, built by him about the 
vear iSoo, and in which he lived until his death in 1S29. Afterwards his son 
Theodore Bliss resided there. He died in 1S44. The property was purchased by 
the late Charles G. Rice, and has since passed into the ]30Ssession of other parties. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPKINGFIELn. 



65 




Bliss's Mill on Mill River. From a painting made about the year iSio. 



66 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Mr. Moses Burt, Junr, First Lieut of a Company of Artillery 
IN the First Brigade, Fourth Division of Militia: 
Sir, — You are requested to assemble the Company of Artillery now 
under your command to meet in Springfield in the " Meeting house 
Lane," on thursday, the fourteenth day of April next, at one of the 
clock in the afternoon, for the purpose of choosing a captain to said 
company & to fill all other vacancies that may then exist. 
Given under my hand this the 31st of March, 1803. 

JACOB BLISS, 
Major Coiiid of Artillery. 

The above orders were seasonably attended to. 

ATTEST. FESTUS STEBBINS, 

Adjt of the Artillery. 

" Meeting House Lane" mentioned in the above order 
is now Elm street. 



Mr. Jonathan Bliss was born October i, 1742. He 
graduated at Harvard College in 1763. He was a member 
of the General Court of Massachusetts in 1768, and one of 
the seventeen rescinders, and was proscribed under the 
act of 1778. He went to New Brunswick, where he became 
a person of distinguished note, and rose to the rank of 
chief justice and to the presidency of the council. His 
wife and the wife of Fisher Ames were sisters. 

Mr. Bliss died at Fredericton, N. B.,in 1822, at the age 
of 80 years. 

Mr. Luther Bliss, son of Ebenezer Bliss and Sarah 
(Ferre) Bliss, was born in Springfield, June 19, 1792. 

He learned the tanners' trade, also carried on a boot and 
shoe business for many years, on State street, near the 
corner of Main street, where the new Masonic building 
stands. 

Mr. Bliss occupied to the time of his death and his 
heirs still retain a considerable portion of the original 
grant of land to the Bliss family, lying on and near William 
street and extendins: to the river. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 6/ 

Mr. Bliss was a strenuous opposer of African slavery, 
and an early supporter of the Abolition cause. 

He was admitted a member of the First Church in 1826, 
but left with many other members to form the South 
Church. September 30, 1819, he married Rebecca, daugh- 
ter of Moses Ferre and Jerusha Easton. She was born 
in Hartford, Conn., April 17, 1792, and died July i, 1866, 
aged 74 years, 2 months. 

Mr. Bliss died May 23, 1886, aged 93 years, 11 months. 
Children : five sons, two daughters. 

Deacon Moses Bliss was born January 16, 1736. He 
entered Yale College, and graduated in 1755. Studied for 
the ministry and preached for a time, and afterward retired 
from the profession, read law, and became an eminent 
lawyer. He was judge of the Court of Common Pleas for 
the county of Hampshire. He was deacon in the First 
Church (Congregational), and was " greatly respected for his 
learning and devotion to the church of which he was an 
earnest member." He was among the last of those that 
wore a cocked hat, powdered wig, knee breeches, low shoes, 
and shining buckles. 

In 1763, he was married to Abigail, daughter of William 
Metcalf, of Lebanon, Conn. She died August 29, 1800, 
aged 61 years. He lived in the house that formerly stood 
on Main street, and was moved back on to Bliss street 
many years ago. Deacon Bliss died July 4, 18 14, aged /8 
years. 

Moses Bliss, Jr., a merchant, was born July 10, 1774. 
His store was on State street, where the Savings Bank 
block stands. He was one of the incorporators of the 
Springfield Bank (now the Second National) and one of the 
first five directors, and its cashier from 18 15 to 18 19. 

September 30, 1804, he married Mary Wolcott of Say- 
brook, Conn. She was born September i, 1778, and died 
August 26, i860, aged 82 years less four days. Mr. Bliss 



68 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

died September ii, 1849, aged 75 years. Children : three 
sons, seven daughters. 



0^<^^ '^i^S^ 



Autograph written April 19, 1810. 

Richard Bliss, Esq., was born May 12, 181 1. He pre- 
pared for college at Monson Academy, and was one year at 
Yale College. He graduated at Amherst College in 183 1, 
and studied law in his brother's (George) office, who was of 
the firm of Bliss & Dwight, and then at Harvard Law 
School. He was admitted to the bar in 1834, and practiced 
law first for a short time at Monson, Mass., and afterward 
went into partnership with William Dwight, under the firm 
name of Dwight & Bliss. Their office was in the second 
story of the building which stood where the Springfield 
Institution for Savings block now stands. Mr. Bliss soon 
retired from his profession. He was elected town clerk in 
1838, and held the office until 1841, and was clerk of the 
Judicial Courts from 1841 to 1852. Owing to impaired 
health he resigned the latter office and engaged in farming 
and other outdoor pursuits. He went to Exeter, N. H., and 
tried the cultivation of the soil, and had a short residence 
at Allston, and Cambridge, Mass. Finally he returned to 
Springfield and tilled a tract of land on North Chestnut 
street. He was elected a member of the Legislature in 
1859. H^ ^^''^•'' admitted a member of the First Congrega- 
tional Church, September 7, 1835, Rev. Samuel Osgood, 
having always been active in the parish and church affairs. 

In May, 1837, he married Sarah Pynchon Eastman. 
Mr. Bliss died July 29, 1883, aged 72 years, 2 months. 
Children : one son, one daughter. 

Mr. Theodore Bliss, merchant, son of Gen. Jacob 
Bliss and Mary (Collins) Bliss, was born March 4, 1789. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 69 

He carried on a flour grist mill, located on Mill river, known 
as " Bliss's Mill." In 1838 he was in partnership with Will- 
iam Bryant in the grocery trade, under the firm of Bryant 
& Bliss. In 1S42 he formed a copartnership, which con- 
tinued until his death, with Edmund D. Chapin and Benj. 
K. Bliss and engaged in the grocery and drug business, 
under the firm name of Bliss, Chapin & Co., having a store 
on Main street in a building owned by the heirs of Dr. Elisha 
Edwards. He was a director in the Springfield Mutual 
Fire Assurance Company from May 14, 1827, to November 
3, 1828, and was elected a director in 1838 in the " Chicopee 
Bank," now the Chicopee National Bank, Springfield. 

He was married at Leominster, Mass., July 3, 18 14, to 
Juliet H. Mann, of Northampton, Mass., where she was 
born January 30, 1797; she died in Springfield, April 9, 
1879, in her 83d year. Mr. Bliss died December 13, 1844, 
in his 56th year. Children : three sons, four daughters; 
now living (1893) John Bliss, San Francisco, Cal. 



William Bliss, Esq., was born March 26, 1797. He 
entered Harvard College and graduated in 181 8. He studied 
law and was admitted to the bar in 1S22, and practiced for 
several years and was one of the prominent lawyers in the 
county. Retiring from the profession he was chosen secre- 
tary of the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company, 
and held the position from May 14, 1827, until his decease 
in 1838. 

July I, 1828, he married Elizabeth A. Benjamin, daugh- 
ter of Asher I)enjamin, Esq., of Boston, who was an 
eminent architect, and the author of a work on architecture 
(with thirty copperplates) which was published by Thomas 
Dickman, Greenfield, Mass., in 1797- 

Mr. Bliss was the law partner of Justice Willard, the 
firm being Willard & Bliss. He was town clerk in 1830, 
1831, 1832, 1833, and 1834; a selectman, one of the 
countv commissioners, and chairman of the board in 1831. 



JO SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

In 1827 he was judge advocate of the Fourth Division, 
Massachusetts Militia, appointed by Gov. Levi Lincoln. 

Mr. Mason A. Green, in his history of Springfield, re- 
lates this in which Mr. Bliss was an actor : — 

" Samuel Bowles, the founder of the Republican, was fond of 
pictures, and a good portrait, and was much interested in Mr. Elwell's 
paintings, an artist who had a studio in the Byers building on Elm 
street, and to please Mr. Bowles it was arranged one day that an empty 
frame should be placed in a remote and somewhat shaded corner of 
the studio. Behind this Mr. Bliss was placed in tableau, and Mr. 
Bowles invited in to view the new portrait. The visitor was wonderfully 
impressed, and finally, when Mr. Bliss stepped aside and left the frame 
empty, Mr. Bowles threw his hands across his breast and sighed 
deeply." 

Mr. Bliss died March 8, 1838, aged4i years. Children : 
William l^liss, president Boston & Albany R. R., Boston, 
and Mrs. Henry A. Gould, Springfield. 

Thomas Bond, Esq., merchant and farmer, son of 
Lieut. Thomas Bond (son of Jonathan Bondof Westborough, 
Mass., born in 1739, died 1830, aged 91 years), was born 
September 17, 1777, in North Brookfield, Mass. He began 
business in his native town as a merchant, and soon 
afterwards removed to West Brookfield, where he carried it 
on more extensively and with success, until April, 1826, 
when he removed to Springfield to engage in farming. He 
purchased of Colonel Ouartus Stebbins about seventy-five 
acres of land, on which are now Sargeant, Bradford, and 
John streets, and extending west to the Connecticut river, 
on what is now Hampden park. Mr. Bond was engaged in 
agricultural pursuits about fifteen years, in which he was 
quite successful. He was a representative from Spring- 
field in the Legislature in 1833, a director in the Spring- 
field Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October 14, 
1830, to October 21, 1836. He was with his wife admitted 
a member of the First Congregational Church, Rev. Samuel 
Osgood, May, 1827, from West l^rookfield. 

He married Jemima H. Bush, born September 15, 1784, 



AND MANSIONS OF SI'RIN(;FIELI). ' 7 1 

died July 20, 1866, aged 81 years, 10 months. He died 
January 6, 1852, aged 74 years. The following tribute 
appeared in the local paper : — 

■• It is with profound regret that we record tlie death of one of our 
oldest and most respectable citizens, Thomas Bond. Esq., after a brief 
illness. Twenty-seven years ago he removed from West Erookfield to 
this town, and from that day to this he has maintained a character 
spotless in its honor, and radiant in its discriminating and unostenta- 
tious benevolence." 

Their children : five sons and three daughters ; now 
living (1S93), Thomas and Edward Bond, in New York 
city, William B. Bond, Rogers Park, near Chicago, 111., 
Mrs. Clara B. Raynolds. Springfield, and Mrs. Mary B. 
Hall, wife of Rev. J. G. Hall, of Cleveland, Ohio. 

Dea. Daniel Bontecou was born in New Haven, Conn., 
April 20, 1779. His father dying before his birth, and 
his mother marrying within a few years, the family moved 
to Enfield, Conn., where he engaged in business. He was 
active in the Connecticut Militia and was chosen sergeant 
in the 31st Regiment. About the year 1806 he removed 
to Springfield and formed a copartnership with Colonel 
Solomon Warriner, and engaged in the dry goods business. 
In 18 1 7 the partnership was dissolved, and in a few years 
Jonathan \V. Hunt became his partner, the firm being 
Bontecou & Hunt. They continued the business until 1835, 
when Mr. Bontecou sold out his interest. In 1830 they 
were agents for the steamboat W'rniont, running to Hart- 
ford. In 18 1 5 he purchased of Colonel Warriner the house 
which stood on Main street where Fallon's block now is, 
and afterwards was moved to Hillman street, when in May, 
1890, it was torn down to make way for the building of a 
new block. 

In 1 8 19 he subscribed $800 to the fund for the purchase 
of the property now Court Square. In 1820 he was a 
representative from the town to the General Court. Feb- 
ruary 17, 181 1, he was admitted a member of the First 



72 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Church, Rev. Samuel Osgood, of which he was deacon from 
March 5, 1833, to May 2, 1845, and from the last date to 
November, 1857, was deacon of the South Church, then 
located on Bliss street. 

His first wife was Sybil Pease Potter, of Enfield, 
Conn. She died May 5, 18 10, aged 29 years. His second 
wife was Harriet Bliss, daughter of Hon. Moses Bliss. 
She died November 10, 1853, in the 72d year of her 
age. In 1846 Mr. Bontecou removed to the south corner 
of Howard and Main streets. Children : two sons, five 
daughters. Mr. Bontecou died November 24, 1857, in the 
79th year of his age. 

Mr. Edwin Booth was born in Berlin, Conn., May, 
1796. He first commenced business as a hatter in Long- 
meadow, Mass., about the year 1820. He removed to 
Springfield about 1826, and established himself as a manu- 
facturer and dealer in hats, caps, and furs on State street. 
In 1827 he built the house (which has since been remod- 
eled) next west of the Olivet Church, where he carried on 
his business for some twenty years in connection with the 
wool business, in which he was engaged for about fifteen 
years at his warehouse which he built on Armory street. 

In 1830 he was one of the assistant fire wardens under 
Chief Engineer EHjah Blake, and was one of the selectmen 
of the town in 1831, and in 1853-54 O"^ o^ the overseers of 
the poor. Mr. Booth was a strong temperance advocate, an 
opponent of the use of tobacco, and an early Anti-slavery 
Liberty-party man. He took a great interest in horti- 
culture, pomology, and everything pertaining to fruits and 
flowers, the growing of grapes and strawberries, in which 
he was quite successful. He also engaged in bee raising. 

In January, 1828, he was admitted a member of the 
P'irst Congregational Church from the church in Long- 
meadow, Mass., and was one .of the founders and supporters 
of Olivet Church. He married Sarah Maria Porter. She 
was born in 1798, died August 13. 1857, aged 59 years. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 73 

Mr. Booth died of apoplexy very suddenly March 4, 1865, 
in his 69th year. Children : Dr. Alfred Booth, Springfield, 
and two daughters. 

Deacon Walter H. Bowdoin, merchant, was born in 
1795. When a young man he went into business on the 
" Hill" and in 1820 formed a copartnership with Lyman T. 
Ball, under the firm name of Ball & Bowdoin, and after- 
wards, in 1824, with Francis M. Carew, in the firm of l^ow- 
doin & Carew, in the dry goods and grocery trade. After 
a few years Mr. Carew retired and the late George T. Bond 
became a partner, under the firm name of l^owdoin & 
Bond. October i, 1844. 

In 1825 he was a member of the firm of Bowdoin, 
Phillips & Co., Springfield Card Manufactory, and the 
agent of the company for many years. He was one of the 
selectmen of the town, and a representative of the town 
in the Legislature in 1834-35, and was one of the first nine 
directors of the John Hancock Bank, organized in 1850, 
and then located on the " Hill." He was a director in the 
Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from Octo- 
ber 4, 1841, to October 3, 1842. He was one of the found- 
ers of the Olivet Church, which was founded in 1833, and a 
valued member of the society. 

His wife was Caroline Whitaker of Monson. She was 
admitted a member of the First Church in February, 1825 ; 
he was admitted a member in July, 1826. Miss Catharine 
E. Bowdoin, their only child, resides in Springfield. 

Deacon Bowdoin died October i, 1869, aged 74 years. 

Mr. Samuel Bowles, the advanced journalist, was born 
in Hartford, Conn., June 8, 1797. He came from a Rox- 
bury family, of which John Eliot, the Indian missionary, was 
a descendant. At the age of fifteen he began as a clerk in 
his father's store. On the death of his father in 18 13, he 
commenced an apprenticeship in the art of printing, in his 
native town. At the end of his api)renticeship he acted as 



74 



SKETCHES OF T}1K OLD INHABITANTS 




SAMUEL IJOWLES. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 75 

foreman and journeyman for six years in several offices in 
Hartford and New Haven. Coming to Springfield in 1824 
he brought with him a hand press and type enough to start 
a newspaper. They were " brought up on a flat boat poled 
up the Connecticut river from Hartford," and were un- 
loaded at the foot of " Meeting House lane," now Elm 
street. 

He issued the first number of the " Republican" Weekly 
September 8, 1824, beginning with a circulation of 350 
copies. Its growth was steady and permanent during the 
weekly periods. It was a folio sheet of six columns to a 
page, the size of which was 13 by 17 inches. It had one and 
a half columns of advertising. From this venture grew the 
Springfield Republican, known throughout the length and 
breadth of the North American states and many countries 
in the Eastern Hemisphere. Mr. Bowles's " early education 
was limited, his parents were not rich in worldly goods," 
and it is said "all that he received of any importance from 
his father's estate was his gold watch and the family 
Bible." The late Hon. William B. Calhoun paid this beau- 
tiful tribute to his memory : " Few have been the men who 
have fallen in our way who have kept truer time, and been 
more loyal to the Bible, than Samuel Bowles." 

He married Huldah Deming, of Hartford, Conn. She 
was born November 25, 1796; died June 6, 1871, aged 74 
years, 6 months. 

Mr. Bowles died September 8, 1851, aged 54 years, 3 
months. Children : two sons, two daughters ; now living 
(1893) Mrs. Amelia P. Alexander, relict of Hon. Henry 
Alexander. 

Ur. William Oilman Breck was born November 14, 
1816, in Franklin County, Vt. When a boy he went to Ohio 
with his father's family, attending school at the Oberlin 
University, then in its infancy. Having a natural taste for 
the study of medicine, he attended medical lectures. He 
was in New Orleans in 1844-45, but the South not being 



76 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

agreeable to him, he came to Springfield in 1846. Desiring 
to add to his knowledge of medicine, he entered Harvard 
Medical School in 1854, where he remained about two years. 
During the War of the Rebellion, he was sent to the front 
by Governor Andrew, as a consulting surgeon, and was 
present at several battles. He was surgeon for the Boston 
& Albany railroad, and the New York, New Haven & 
Hartford railroad, for thirty years. Dr. Breck was a member 
of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and of the Hampden 
District Medical Society, having been president of the latter. 
He was much interested in the Children's Home, and in 
1888 took a place on the advisory board. He was at one 
time a partner with Dr. J. H. Gray, who was killed in the 
railroad disaster at Norw^alk, Conn., May 6, 1853, aged 34 
years. 

About 1868 he bought a lot of land on Round Hill, and 
built the first house there, from plans drawn by George 
Hathorne, an eminent architect of New York city. 

Dr. Breck stood high in his profession. " He was emi- 
nently a surgeon, and a physician of great tact. His judg- 
ment was deliberate, and his decisions when reached were 
carried out with firmness and completeness." 

In 1843, he ^v^s married to Mary Vandeventer, of Penn 
Yan, N. Y. For many years she has been an efficient 
member of the board of managers of the Children's Home. 

Dr. Theodore F. Breck is their only child. 

Dr. William G. Breck died January 22, 1889, from an 
attack of pulmonary apoplexy (at the house of a patient 
of Dr. Mellen, in Chicopee, whither he had been called for 
consultation), in the seventy-third year of his age. 

Dk. Ciiauncey Brewer, was born April 21, 1743. He 
graduated at Yale College in 1762, studied medicine with 
Dr. Charles Pynchon, and commenced practice in West 
Springfield, but he removed to Springfield after Dr. 
Pynchon's death and settled on " Ferry lane," now Cypress 
street, and was for many years the leading physician of the 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



n 



town. He married Ami White. She died in 182 1, aged 
']6 years. 

He was one of the original incorporators of the Massa- 
chusetts Medical Society in 1 78 1, and was admitted a fellow 
in 1785. 

His certificate of admission to the fellowship and one of 
his medical books, in which he wrote his name in 1762, are 
still preserved, being in the possession of the family of the 
late Henry Brewer. 

In January, 1781, he was, with his wife, admitted to the 
First Church in Springfield, Rev. Robert Breck, from the 
First Church in West Springfield. They had eleven chil- 
dren. Dr. Brewer died March 15, 1830, aged ^j years. 

Dr. Daniel Chauncev Brewer was born December ij, 
IJJ2. He was educated for a physician, but practiced only 
a short time. He afterwards engaged in the drug and med- 
icine business with Dr. Joshua Frost, having a store in the 
wooden building which stood where H. & J. Brewers store 
is. In 1785 he was admitted a member of the Massachu- 
setts Medical Society. 

He subscribed $150 to the fund for the purchase of land 
now Court Square. Dr. Brewer died September 30, 1848, 
aged 75 years, 9 months. 

Mr. Henrv Brewer, Jr., son of Henry Brewer, Sr., was 
born September 20, 1804, in the old gambrel roof house 
which stood on Maple street (now No. 41), and about the 
year 1830 was moved on to High street. In April, 1892, 
the house was torn down. 

A part of Mr. Brewer's boyhood was passed with his 
grandfather. Dr. Chauncey Brewer, who was a leading 
physician, and lived on Ferry lane, now Cypress street. 
In 1825 he became a partner with his uncle as apothecary, 
and was engaged in the business until his death, a period 
of quite fifty-five years. During this time his brother 
James became a partner under the firm name of H. & J. 



78 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHARITANTS 




This house, 48 High street, formerly stood on Maple street, between the 
residence of the late Dr. H. A. Collins and the South church, and was built by 
Dr. Chauncey Brewer about the year 1750. After his death it was occupied by his 
son, Henry Brewer, and in it his sons, Henry and James Brewer (druggists), were 
born. On the opening of High street in 1829, Stephen Jones bought the house, 
and in 1830 moved it on to High street. After his death and on the death. of his 
wife, it came into the possession of their daughter, Mrs. Henrietta Davis, who 
resided there until her death, January 14, 1892, when, soon after, the property was 
sold to William H. Sanborn, who ordered the house to be demolished, which was 
done April 5, 1892. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 79 

Brewer, and later on Mr. William H. Gray was admitted a 
member of the firm. 

Mr. Brewer was admitted a member of the First 
Congregational Church, Rev. Samuel Osgood, in July, 1826. 
Being somewhat of a musician, he played the bass viol 
when the choir was led by Colonel Solomon Warriner. 
When the South Church was formed in 1842, he assisted 
in its organization, and gave much aid to its support. 

He married Cynthia Ann Child, daughter of Captain 
William Child, of Springfield. Mr. Brewer died February 
9, 1880, aged 75 years. He was greatly esteemed for his 
many sterling qualities and was courteous, faithful, and of 
unbounded rectitude. 

Mr. James Brewer, ist, merchant (son of Dr. Chauncey 
Brewer, a descendant of Rev. Daniel Brewer, who came 
from England and settled in Roxbury, Mass., in 1634, and 
Springfield in 1694, as pastor of the First Congregational 
Church), was born December 8, 1789. 

When a young man he was clerk in charge of the branch 
store of J. & E. Dwight at Enfield, Conn., previous to 
1825, when he formed a partnership with Benjamin Day 
and James Scutt Dwight, under the firm name of Day, 
Brewer & Dwight, for the transaction of a general merchan- 
dise business at the brick store which stood on the corner 
of Main and State streets, v^here the Savings Bank block 
now stands. In a few years the firm was dissolved, and 
Mr. Brewer engaged in the hardware business on his own 
account in the corner store in the building which stood 
where the Masonic block stands. He was one of the nine 
directors of the Chicopee Bank, Springfield, organized in 
1836, now the Chicopee National Bank. 

He married Harriet Adams, daughter of Dr. Jabez 
Adams, of Mansfield, Conn. She died December 18, 1844, 
aged 50 years. 

Mr. Brewer died July 20, 1856, aged 67 years, 7 months. 
Children : four sons and four daughters ; now living 



8o 



SKF.TCllF.S OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




This house, 31 F"ranklin street, was the residence of Captain John Brown, who 
settled in Springfield in 1S46. It was built by a Mr. Pendleton of Chicopee and is 
now owned by the heirs of the late Joseph t'arew of South Iladley, Mass. 



AND MANSIONS OF SFKIN( .FIELD. 8 I 

(1893), Mrs. Eunice B. Smith, the relict of Dr. David P. 
Smith. 

Mr. James Brewer, 2d, son of Henry l^rewer, Sr., 
was born June 1 1, 1813. When a lad he went to learn the 
drug business with Henry Sterns, his store being on Main 
street, opposite Court Square. Later he went to Philadel- 
phia for further study and training. In 1834 he returned 
to Springfield and entered into partnership with his brother 
Henry, under the firm of H. & J. Brewer. In i860 Mr. 
W. H. Gray was admitted as a partner. The house was 
started in 18 19 by D. Chauncey Brewer in the wooden 
building which stood on the site of the present one of brick, 
which was built in 1844, the former one having been burned 
down. 

Mr. Brewer was a devoted member of tlie South Church, 
and took an active part in establishing the society (1842), 
having withdrawn from the First Congregational Church, 
Rev. Dr. Osgood, of which he had been a member since 1827. 

He married Miss Dodd, of Vermont. Children : Dr. 
Charles Brewer and a daughter, Mary. 

Mr. Brewer died January 29, 1880, in the 67th year of 
his age. 

Capt. John Brown was born in Torrington, Conn.. May 
9, 1800. He was the son of Owen Brown, a descendant on 
his father's side of one of the company that came over in 
the Mayfloivcr and landed at Plymouth in 1620. When 
five years old his father moved to Hudson, Ohio, the jour- 
ney having been performed the most of the way with an ox 
team, the country then being a wilderness. When eight 
years old his mother died, which caused him much grief 
for many years. In the War of 18 12 his father furnished 
the troops with beef cattle. As a boy he was present at 
Hull's surrender at Detroit, and overheard conversations 
between the subordinate officers of that general. To their 
" disorderlv conduct he ascribed the surrender" and said if 



82 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

he could have reported those officers to the authorities at 
Washington it would have " branded them as mutineers " 
and he thought great injustice had been done to General 
Hull, who was a brave and honest man. 

He was taught from earliest childhood to " fear God 
and keep his commandments." At the age of sixteen he 
joined the Congregational church in Hudson, Ohio. June 
21, 1820, at Hudson, Ohio, he married Miss Dianthe Lusk, 
a woman of "excellent character, earnest piety, and good 
practical common sense." Six sons and one daughter were 
born to them. Mrs. Brown died August 10, 1832. 

While he was living at Richmond, Penn., he married 
his second wife, Miss Mary A. Day, at Meadville. They 
had thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters. He 
was until his twenty-sixth year engaged in the tanning 
business, and as a farmer in Ohio. It was in 1826 that he 
went to Richmond, Penn., where he carried on his business 
until 1835. That year he removed to Franklin Mills, Ohio, 
and carried on the tanning trade and operated in real estate. 
He was an earnest advocate for the abolition of the slave 
trade. I-n 1839 he conceived the idea of becoming a liber- 
ator of the slaves in the Southern states. 

He went to Hudson, Ohio, in 1840, and engaged in the 
wool business with Captain Oviatt of Richfield, Ohio, and 
in 1842 formed a partnership with Colonel Perkins, under 
the name of Perkins & Brown. In 1844 he removed to 
Akron, Ohio. In 1846 he went to Springfield, Mass., and 
the next year his family joined him and resided at No. 31 
Franklin street. He had an ofifice and loft near the depot, 
where the firm carried on the wool business until about 
185 1. He removed with his family to North Elba, Essex 
county, N. Y., in 1849. 

During the Kansas trouble between the free soil and 
pro-slavery parties in 1857, he published the following ap- 
peal for the purpose of raising funds to be used in freeing 
the state from slavery : — 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 8l 

" To tJie Friends nf Freedom : — 

'' The undersigned, whose individual means were exceedingly limited 
wlien he first engaged in the struggle for liberty in Kansas, being now 
still more destitute, and no less anxious than in times past to continue 
his efforts to sustain that cause, is induced to make this earnest appeal 
to the friends of freedom throughout the United States in the firm 
belief that his call will not go unheeded. I ask all honest lovers of 
liberty and human rights, both male and female, to hold up my hands 
by contributions of pecuniary aid, either as counties, cities, towns, 
villages, societies, churches, or individuals. I will endeavor to make 
a judicious and faithful application of all such means as I may be sup- 
plied with. Contributions may be sent in drafts to W. H. D. Callen- 
der.* cashier State Bank, Hartford, Conn. It is my intention to visit 
as many places as I can during my stay in the States, provided I am 
informed of the disposition of the inhabitants to aid me in my efforts, 
as well as to receive my visit. Information may be communicated to 
me (care of Massasoit House), at Springfield, Mass. Will editors of 
newspapers friendly to the cause kindly second the measure, and also 
give this some half dozen insertions ? Will either gentlemen or ladies, 
or both, volunteer to take up the business ? It is with no little sacrifice 
of personal feeling I appear in this manner before the public. 

"JOHN BROWN." 

In January, 1859, he wrote the following letter in rela- 
tion to his invasion of Missouri, which became a celebrated 
document and was known as "John I^rown's Parallels" : — 

"Tkadi.xg Post, Kansas, January, 1859. 

" Gentlemen : — You will greatly oblige a humble friend by allowing 
the use of your columns while I briefly state two parallels in my poor 
way. 

" Note, one year ago, eleven quietcitizens of this neighborhood, viz., 
William Robertson, William Colpetzer, Amos Hall, Austin Hall, John 
Campbell, Asa Snyder, Thomas Stilwell, William Hairgrove, Asa 
Hairgrove, Patrick Ross, and B. L. Reed, were gathered up from their 
work and their homes by an armed force under one Hamilton, and, 
without trial, or opportunity to speak in their own defense, were formed 
into line, and all but one shot — five killed and five wounded; one fell 
unharmed, pretending to be dead : all were left for dead. The only 
crime charged against them was that of being free state men. Now, I 
inf|uire what action has ever, since the occurrence in May last, been 
taken by either the president of the United States, the governor of 



* He was tlie fatlier of William K. Calleuder, cashier of the Cliapin National Hank, Spring- 
liekl, Mass. 



84 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Missouri, the governor of Kansas, or any of their tools, or by any pro- 
slavery or administration man, to ferret out and punish the perpetrators 
of this crime. Now for the other parallel : — 

" On Sunday, December 19, a negro man called Jim came over to the 
Osage settlement from Missouri, and stated that he, together with his 
wife, two children, and another negro man, was to be sold within a day 
or two, and begged for help to get away. On Monday (the following) 
night, two small companies were made up to go to Missouri and 
forcibly liberate the five slaves, together with other slaves ; one of these 
companies I assumed to direct. We proceeded to the place, surrounded 
the buildings, liberated the slaves, and also took certain property sup- 
posed to belong to the estate. We, however, learned before leaving, 
that a portion of the articles we had taken belonged to a man living on 
the plantation as a tenant, and who was supposed to have no interest in 
the estate. We promptly returned to him all we had taken. We then 
went to another plantation, where we found five more slaves, took some 
property and two white men. We moved all slowly away into the 
territory for some distance, and then sent the white men back, telling 
them to follow us as soon as they chose to do so. The other company 
freed one female slave, took some property, and as I am informed killed 
one white man (the master) who fought against the liberation. Now for 
a comparison. Eleven persons are forcibly restored to their natural 
and inalienable rights, with but one man killed, and all ' hell is stirred 
from beneath.' It is currently reported that the governor of Missouri 
has made a requisition upon the governor of Kansas for the delivery of 
all such as were concerned in the last named 'dreadful outrage.' The 
marshal of Kansas is said to be collecting a posse of Missouri (not 
Kansas) men, at West Point, Missouri, a little town about ten miles 
distant, to 'enforce the laws.' All pro-slavery, conservative, free-state, 
and dough-face men, and administration tools are filled with holy horror. 
Consider the two cases, and the action of the administration party. 

" Respectfully yours, 

'■JOHN BROWN." 

His several contests with the pro-slavery party in Kan- 
sas, and his efforts to incite the slaves to gain their free- 
dom, and the attack upon Harper's Ferry on the 17th of 
October, 1859, and his e.xecution at Charlestovvn, Va., De- 
cember 2, 1859, are well known facts of history. 

While residing in Springfield, Captain Brown was known 
as a quiet, modest man, of strict integrity and honorable 
purposes. He greatly esteemed Rev. Dr. Osgood, on 
whose ministry he attended for several years. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 85 

Col. David Mason Bryant was born January 27, 1792. 
He received his education in Springfield, his native town, 
Boston, and Hanover, N. H. Early in life he went to sea, 
making three voyages to China, and one to Lisbon, Portu- 
gal, as captain's clerk and purser. Afterwards he came to 
Springfield and engaged in the dry goods business on State 
street. In a year or two he removed to " Chickopee Factory," 
now Chicopee Falls, where he became the leading merchant 
of the place. January 12, 183 i, during the administration 
of President Andrew Jackson, he was appointed postmaster 
of the village. He was justice of the peace from P^ebruary 
22, 1826, to 1853. He served in the state militia, was 
elected colonel of the P"irst Regiment, First Brigade, 
Fourth Division, rising from the ranks. He resigned the 
colonelcy, November 28, 182S. In 1843 ^^^ retired from 
business and settled in South Deerfield, Mass. He was 
in business, between the years 1830 to 1840, with the 
following persons, Sylvester Taylor, under the firm of 
Sylvester Taylor & Co., George Bird, under the name of 
Bryant & Bird, and Timothy W. Carter, under the firm of 
Bryant & Carter. 

In 1820, he married Mary Bliss, eldest daughter of 
General Jacob and Mary Bliss of Springfield. She was born 
September 4, 1792. and died April 12, 1839, aged 46 years, 
7 months. 8 days. Their children : three sons, three 
daughters. June 30, 1841, he married, for his second wife, 
Mrs. Isabella (Hoyt) Williams, daughter of Gen. Epaphras 
Hoyt, of Deerfield, Mass. Colonel Bryant died April 20. 
1874, aged 82 years, 2 months, 24 days. 

Colonel Bryant's father was master of ordnance in the 
Revolutionary War, and lost an arm in the service. 

Captain William Bryant was born in Sj^ringfield, 
December 25, 1798. In August, 1821, he sailed from 
Boston for a voyage to the East Indies, and afterwards 
made several voyages as master. Ikyant, Sturges & Co., 
Boston, were prominent merchants engaged in the East 



86 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




CYRUS BUCKLANi). 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 87 

India trade. In 1833 he retired from the sea and settled 
in Springfield, where in 1834 he formed a copartnership 
with Theodore Bliss, under the firm name of Bryant & 
l^liss, and engaged in the grocery business, first on the 
northeast corner of Main and Sanford streets, afterwards 
in the block built by James Byers, corner of Main and Elm 
streets, where now stands the Chicopee National Bank 
block. When the Chicopee Bank (now national) was 
organized, in 1836, he was chosen one of the first nine 
directors. 

In December, 1830, he married Emily Bliss, daughter 
of General Jacob Bliss. She was born March 3, 1801, 
died February 6, 1881, aged 79 years, 11 months. Captain 
Bryant died August 22, 1857, aged 58 years, 8 months. 
Children : two sons, one daughter ; now living, Andrew 
S. Bryant, cashier Boston & Albany Railroad Company, 
Springfield. He was sergeant of Company A, 27lh Massa- 
chusetts Regiment, during the War of the Rebellion. In 
May, 1863, he, with seventeen men, held a position until 
the arrival of reinforcements, when the rebels with a large 
force had attacked the outposts along Bachelor's creek. 
North Carolina. For this act of Spartan bravery he was 
awarded a medal by the Government "for conspicuous 
gallantry on this occasion." 

Mr. Cyrus Buckland, inventor, was born at East 
Hartford. Conn, (now Manchester), August 10, 1799. 
When old enough he worked on a farm, but having a taste 
for mechanics, he left the farm, and in 1822 went to Monson, 
Mass., where he engaged in work with his brother, who was 
a practical machinist, on the first cotton mill erected there 
by the Monson & Brim field Manufacturing Company. In 
1823 he went to Chicopee Falls, as a pattern maker and 
machinist in the first cotton factory built there. During a 
suspension of work in 1828 he secured a position at the 
United States Armory. At that time the machinery at the 
Armory was of an obsolete kind, the work being done 



88 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

mostly by hand. The only machine used in the manufac- 
ture of arms was the invention of Thomas Blanchard, for 
cutting out the stock roughly without finishing it. The 
next ten years there was a marked change in the art of 
gun-making, which was in a great measure due to Mr. 
Buckland. It was in 1839 that the greatest and real work 
of improvement began, when he commenced a series of 
improvements in gun machinery. The late Thomas War- 
ner's grand idea of making every part in the gun inter- 
changeable demanded an entire revolution in the mechan- 
ical methods then in use. Mr. Buckland was a valuable 
counselor and assistant to Mr. Warner in bringing this 
innovation to a complete success. 

In 1842 Mr. Warner withdrew from the Armory to 
accept a position elsewhere, when the duties of chief 
mechanic were placed upon Mr. Buckland. In 185 1 he 
designed a model for a new cadet musket, which being 
approved by the ordnance board, several thousands of 
them were ordered to be made at the Armory for Govern- 
ment service. In 1854 he designed an improved machine 
for rifling musket barrels, " which far exceeded any other 
machine of the kind, in the amount and quality of the 
work it produced, and in its principles, which were entirely 
new." From 1840 to 1852 he designed and built a series 
of intricate machines, of which the lock-plate bedding 
machine is a fair sample. His machinery was copied in the 
national and private armories in the United States. After 
the London Exhibition in 1852, the Ames Manufacturing- 
Company, Chicopee, Mass., duplicated many of the ma- 
chines, and sold them to nearly all of the European gov- 
ernments. 

He married Mary A. Locke, of Monson, Mass. She 
died at Somerville, Mass., July 23, 1892, aged 8^ years. 

Mr. Buckland died February 26, 1891, in the 92d year 
of his age. Children : a son and a daughter. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIKLD. . 89 

Mk. Amaziah Bullens, son of Elisha and l^etsey l^ul- 
lens, was born in Dedham, Mass., in 1819. He came to Chic- 
opee (then Cabotville) about the year 1838, and was engaged 
in the grocery and crockery business for forty years. He 
was much interested in SpirituaHsm and was prominent in 
the meetings at Lake Pleasant. He died in Chicopee, May 
9, 1884, aged 65 years, 5 months, 20 days ; his widow and 
two sons are living in Chicopee. 

Mr. Ira M. Bullens. son of Elisha and l^etsey Bullens, 
was born in Needham, Mass., in 1810. He was one of the 
four brothers who started the grocery business in Chicopee 
in 1838, which was continued for many years. Afterwards 
he was station agent at the Center for the Connecticut 
River Railroad Company. At onetime he was engaged in 
the book business. He was elected one of the assessors of 
the town of Springfield in 1847. He was an active and 
prominent member of the Baptist Church. He died in 
Chicopee, September 23, 1876, aged 66 years. 

Mr. Isaac Bullens, son of Elisha and Betsey Bullens, 
was born in Needham, Mass. He came to Chicopee (then 
Cabotville) about the year 1833. He was the first one to 
start the machinery in the shop of the Springfield Canal 
Company. In 1838 he went into the grocery business, in 
which he accumulated considerable property. 

He married Margaret Clapp, daughter of James and 
Margaret Clapp, of Roxbury, Mass. She died in Chicopee, 
January 2, 1882, aged 74 years, 3 months. He died in 
Chicopee, September i, 1875, aged 67 years, 6 months. 

Capt. Hexrv L. Bunker was born in Nantucket, Mass., 
November 17, 1797. In early life he followed the sea; 
went on whaling voyages, and in time became master of 
vessels at different periods in the whaling fieet. Afterwards 
he moved to Springfield and engaged in the grocery business, 
having a store under the old Town Hall on State street. 



90 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




DAVID A. ISL'SII. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 9I 

He married Hannah Nickerson, of Harwich, Mass. She 
was born August 4, 1799, and died at Oakland, Cah, Decem- 
ber 22, 1883, aged 84 years. In July, 1826, he and his wife 
were admitted members of the First Church, Rev. Samuel 
Osgood. Captain Ikmker died in Springfield, January 6, 
1865, aged 67 years. Children : three sons, one daughter. 

Mr. David Austin Bush was born at Enfield, Conn., in 
1803. When fifteen years old he went to learn the plow mak- 
ing business, of Potter & King, Enfield, Conn., who were 
manufacturers of plows for the Southern market. About 
the year 1820, he went as agent of the firm to Virginia, with 
three thousand plows shipped on board a sloop at Hart- 
ford, Conn. He remained in the South several months. 
On his return north he worked on the first water wheels 
and flumes at Chicopee Falls, Mass., afterwards going to 
Providence, R. I., where he was employed by a company 
for a year or two, when they failed, and he lost about $500 
of his wages. Then he returned home and for a short time 
was in the employ of the late Stephen C. Bemis, agent, who 
kept a store at Willimansett, but being unwilling to take 
his pay for work done, in goods out of the store, Mr. Bush 
came to Springfield in 1830, and bought out the wagon shop 
of Ebenezer Crane, on Main street, he having the sale of a 
cast iron wheel hub as a specialty. Mr. Bush carried on the 
wagon and plow business for forty years, and at the same 
time built and rented several houses. He was a member 
of the Hampden Lodge of Masons for forty-six years. 

In 1827 he married Betsey Williams, ofWestfield, Mass. 
She died February 22, 1879, aged ":-, years. Mr. Bush 
died July 7, 1870, aged 67 years. Austin Ballou Ikish, 
their son, now living in Springfield, was born in Williman- 
sett, Mass., December 21, 1829. 

Hon. James Bvers was born at New York, in 1771. 
Early in life he engaged in mercantile business, having a 
store on the "Hill," near the Armory grounds. In January, 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHAIJITANTS 




Number 20 Byers streel was built by jaiacs Byers about the year 1831, for a 
residence, and he lived in it for many years. The following parties have occupied 
the house : Henry Seymour, who was the first cashier of the Chicopee Bank, now 
the Chicopee National Bank of Springfield, General James Barnes, Colonel Roswell 
Shurtleflf, R. G. Shurtleff, Elisha Gunn, John B. Stebbins, Hon. John Mills, and 
Rodolphus Kinsley, who sold it to David E. Taylor, merchant. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 93 

1800, he was appointed postmaster of Springfield under the 
administration of Thomas Jetferson, and held the office 
during his term of eight years. From 1790 to 18 12 he was 
engaged in a general merchandise business. He was pay- 
master and military storekeeper at the U. S. Armory, from 
October i, 1803, to November 2, 1811, and a commissary 
of the U. S. Army during the War of 1812-15. About 
the close of the war he built the fine mansion on State 
street, the residence of the late Hon. Henry Alexander, Jr., 
from designs made by Asher Benjamin, Esq., of Boston, an 
eminent architect. The contractor for the building was 
Simon Sanborn. Mr. Byers was one of the original incor- 
porators and was a member of the first Board of Directors 
of the Old Springfield Bank (chartered in 18 14), now the 
Second National Bank. He was president of the bank from 
1833 to 1836, succeeding Judge John Hooker. He was a 
member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 
1831 and a member of the Senate in 1833-34, and presi- 
dential elector in 1S32. Having sold his house on State 
street to Col. Israel E. Trask, of New Orleans, he built 
(about the year 1832) the cottage now numbered 20 Byers 
street, in which he lived many years, but which then, before 
the street was opened to Pearl, stood further east on the 
hillside. In 1836, Mr. Byers erected at his own expense a 
marble fountain in the center of Court Square. One morn- 
ing it was found badly broken, the work of some mischievous 
boys. On his hearing of this vandalism he caused its re- 
moval from the square. 

In 1834 he bought of Daniel Lombard property on the 
corner of Main and Elm streets for $6,0GO, on which he 
built three brick blocks, all of which have been recently 
torn down (with the exception of half a block on Elm street) 
to erect the "Walker block," "Chicopee National Bank 
building," and " Gilmore's Court Square Theater," upon 
their sites. 

Mr. Byers was a large stockholder in the Farmers' Bank 
of Belchertown, Mass., which stopped payment in 1829. 



94 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Its bills were received at the rate of twenty cents on the 
dollar at one time ; at Northampton they were passed for 
goods at fifty cents on the dollar. In 1840 Daniel Webster 
appeared in town, the guest of Mr. Byers, who gave out 
a general invitation to the citizens to come and spend the 
evening with the distinguished statesman, "chat and drink 
wine," at his " Hillside Cottage," now on Byers street. 
During the entertainment Mr. Byers noticed that the wines 
were rapidly disappearing, and fearing that the company 
would " drink him dry," sent for one of his employees and 
asked him if he could get into Dr. Edwards' store (it being 
late at night). He went and brought back an additional 
supply of the "needful," though it is said that none of it 
was used, and that Mr. Byers remarked that he would not 
have been "caught short," for one thousand dollars. 

In February, 1800, he married Sophia Dwight. She 
was born September 4, 1776, and died February 23, 1803, 
aged 27 years. He married for a second wife Widow Sarah 
Duncan, nre Brown (daughter of William Brown and Ann 
Boucher), previously wife of Robert Duncan, of Boston. An 
adopted daughter, Angelina Thayer, married Jotham W. 
Post, of New York. Mr. Byers died February 22, 1854, 
aged 83 years. His father, Captain James Byers, died 
November 2, 181 1, aged 70 years. 




Autograph written April 19, iSio. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



95 




Residence of the late Colonel Abel Chapin, Chicopee (street), Mass., erected 
1785. Previous to the repairs being made within, by the order of the late Mrs. 
Dorcas Chapin, the north room on the first floor bore upon its walls the following 
record of Colonel Abel Chapin 's family : — 

Abel Chapin, born April 5, 1756 ; Dorcas Chapin, born December 3, 1754 — married May 27, 1779. 
Electa Chapin, born December 29, 1779; Gordon Chapin, born December 6, 1781; Jemima Chapin, 
born October 7, 1783; Oral Chapin, born October 11, 1785 ; Harvey Chapin, born October 2, 1787: 
Alden Chapin, born November 13, 17S9: Abel Chapin, born September 25, 1791: Dexter Chapin, 
born September 19, 1793. 

The hall on the third tioor, known as "Chapin's hall," where many of the sons 
and daughters of Springfield — the Chapins, Dwights, Blisses, Stebbinses, Howards, 
Pynchons, and other old-time families — have tripped the " light fantastic toe " from 
dewy eve till early morn, was decorated with various emblems of nature, as flowers, 
birds, etc., and a ship upon the " billowy deep." Old Sol was represented as 
emerging from the deep blue sea with beaming countenance, and underneath this 
were the words, " the rising generation." All of this was the work of an English 
artist. At each end of the hall are two rooms which were used by those attending 
the balls as toilet and waiting-rooms. 



96 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Col. Abel Chapin, son of Ephraim and Jemima 
Chapin, was born April 5, 1756. In the summer of 1776, 
when twenty years old. he enlisted under Col. Charles 
Colton for six months, marched to Lake Champlain, and was 
stationed at Ticonderoga, N. Y. In 1787, during the 
Shays* rebellion, he commanded a company of government 
troops when the attack was made for the possession of the 
arsenal. His several commissions as an officer of the 
First Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division of the 
Massachusetts forces bear the signatures of those sterling 
patriots, Samuel Adams and John Hancock. 

The following is a copy of a commission in possession 
of Col. Abel Chapin's grandson : — 

' • Cofumoj! we a ItJi of Mas sack ii setts. 

•' By his Excellency, John Hancock, Esq., Governor of the Common- 
wealth of Massachusetts. 
" To Abel Chapin, Esquire, Greeting : — 

" You being appointed Major of the first Regiment in the 
FIRST Brigade and fourth division of the militia of this com- 
monwealth, comprehending the County of Hampshire. By virtue of 
the power vested in me I do by these presents (reposing special trust 
in your loyalty, courage, and good conduct) commission you accord- 
ingly, you are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duties 
as a major in leading, ordering and exercising said Regiment in arms, 
both Inferior Officers and Soldiers, and to keep them in good order and 
discipline ; and they are hereby commanded to obey you as their major. 
and you are yourself to observe and follow such orders and Instruc- 
tions as you shall from time to time receive from me or your Superior 
Officers. Given under my Hand and the Seal of the Said Common- 
wealth the fourteentli day of May in the year of our Lord 1792 and in 
the Sixteenth year of the Independence of the United States of Amer- 
ica. By his Excellency's command 

•• John Avery, Sec'y. 
" John Hancock." 

John Hancock's signature to the commission above is 
somewhat irregular, as if written with a trembling hand, he 
being a martyr to gout, said to be brought on by his luxuri- 
ous manner of living:. 



♦Daniel Shays, the leader of the rebelhon, died in Sparta, N. V., October, 1825, aged 84 
years. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 97 

In 1803 Colonel Chapin was one of the assessors of the 
town and for a few years surveyor of highways. He engaged 
largely in farming and in the raising and fattening of cattle, 
in which he was quite successful. His stock were descended 
from the shorthorns first imported into New England in 
1792 by Gov. Christopher Gore. Colonel Chapin's fat cattle 
found a ready market in Boston and New York. In Octo- 
ber, 18 17, he sold a pair for $1050. In February, 1820, a 
four year old was slaughtered which when dressed weighed 
1 3 16 pounds. 

" The great ox, six years old. bred and owned by Colonel Chapin, ex- 
cited the wonder and admiration of all who saw him. His length from 
the nose to the root of the tail was stated to be 10 feet, 7 inches, cir- 
cumference of the body 8 feet, 9 inches, and he weighed on the hoof 
3100 pounds — in June. 1817.'' 

Also the following certificate : — 

■■ This is to certify that Abel Chapin of the town of Springfield has 
this day exhibited to the Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Society 
for promoting Agriculture and Domestic Manufactures, the best 
PAIR OF GRASS FED CATTLE fitted for the Stall, for which he has 
received the Society's premium of Twenty-five dollars. 

"May this evidence of merit stimulate him and his neighbours to 
excel at the ensuing anniversary. Joseph Ly.man, Prest. 

" Oct. 25th, 1S20. 
" J. H. LyiiiiDi. Secrefy. 

■■ \'enerate the Plough." 

Colonel Chapin received from the society three certifi- 
cates similar to the above for fat cattle and stock. 

Colonel Chapin married May 27, 1779, Dorcas, daughter 
of Stephen and Zebia Chapin. She was born December 3, 
1754, died July 13, 1841, aged S6 years, 7 months, 10 days. 
Colonel Chapin died October 10, 1831, aged 75 years, 6 
months. Children : seven sons, four daughters. 





^^/ ^/b/'^-^/i-i/v' 



-Autograph written March 7, 1.S14. 
S 



98 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




^^S^^tSiiS*^,,,,.^ 



The residence of the late Hon. Chester W. Cliapin, 149 Chestnut street. 
Erected in 1844. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



99 




-^<> 



-^7:^' 



^^?- 



lOO SKETCHES OF Till-: OLD INHABITANTS 

Hon. Chester Williams Chapin, son of Captain 
P^phraim Chapin and Mary (Smith) Chapin, was born in 
Ludlow, Mass., December i6, 1798. When a boy, his 
father having removed with his family to Chicopee (street), 
Mass., and soon afterwards dying, Chester with his brothers 
carried on the farm. He attended school at the Westfield 
Academy for some time. When the foundations for the 
cotton mills were being prepared, he was employed by Mr. 
Henshaw, the superintendent, at $1.50 per day, and then 
as Mr. Henshaw saw that he was faithful in his work his 
pay was raised to $2.00 per day. In 1816 he was clerk for 
his brother, Erastus Chapin, who kept the " Williams 
House," which stood at the southeast corner of Court 
Square. Desiring a change of business, he returned to 
Chicopee (street) and opened a store about opposite one 
kept by the late Stephen C. l^emis, but soon after, February 
3, 1825, formed a copartnership with him, which continued 
for a time, when Mr. Bemis bought out Mr. Chapin's interest 
in the store. 

In 1822 he was collector of taxes for the town, for which 
service he was paid $80. About the year 1826 Mr. Chapin 
bought an interest in the stage line from Brattleboro, Vt., 
to Hartford, Conn., of the late Horatio Sargeant, and the 
firm of Sargeant & Chapin was formed, which became 
widely known as extensive stage proprietors and large mail 
contractors. In 1831, when the first steamboats began to 
run between Springfield and Hartford, Mr. Chapin engaged 
in the steamboating business, having bought out Thomas 
Blanchard, the owner and pioneer of the line. 

He soon became sole proprietor of the steamboats, and 
for about fifteen years controlled the passenger traffic 
between Hartford and Springfield. He was the principal 
owner of the steamboat line between New York and New 
Haven, and had a large interest in the line from New York 
to Hartford, Conn. 

In 1843 he was one of the selectmen of the town, and 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. TO I 

was often chosen moderator at the town meetings when 
held in the old Town Hall on State street. 

Mr. Chapin was early interested in the Hartford & New 
Haven Railroad, and was the principal mover in having the 
line extended to Springfield. When this extension was 
opened in 1844, he sold out his steamboats then running 
on the river to Hartford. In 1850 he was chosen president 
of the Connecticut River Railroad Company, and held the 
office three years. He was the originator and first presi- 
dent of the Agawam (now National) l^ank, organized in 
1846. He was president until 1850, when he was succeeded 
by Albert Morgan. 

Mr. Chapin was a stockholder and director in the fol- 
lowing named railroads, banks, and companies : Boston & 
Albany Railroad, New York Central Railroad, New York, 
New Haven, Hartford & Springfield Railroad, Connecticut 
River Railroad, Ware River Railroad ; Chapin (National) 
Bank, Agawam (National) I^ank, Hadley Falls (National) 
J^ank, of Holyoke, Mass. ; Springfield Fire and Marine In- 
surance Company, from 1849 to 1883 ; Springfield Gas Light 
Company, from 1848 to 1883; Parsons Paper Company, 
Holyoke, from 1853 ; Collins Paper Company, North Wil- 
braham, Mass. ; Agawam Canal Company, Mittineague, 
Mass. Mr. Chapin became a director of the Western Rail- 
road (now the Boston & Albany) in 1850. In January, 1854. 
he was elected president of the corporation, and soon after 
commenced the reconstruction of the road, which needed 
repairing. The rails had become much worn, new bridges 
were required, and new rolling stock was necessary for the 
increasing business of the road. 

In May, 1S55, the Legislature authorized the corpora- 
tion to raise money by an issue of bonds, and soon after 
Mr. Chapin went to London, England, and negotiated a 
loan for half a million of dollars, which funds were used for 
the purchase of iron for renewing the track. He was one 
of the earliest advocates for a bridge across the Hudson 
river at Albany. Though a charter was obtained for one 



102 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

in 1856, its erection was delayed for several years through 
"law's delay," but by his accustomed energy and persever- 
ance, with the aid of the late Commodore Vanderbilt, the 
bridge was built. 

Through his agency the consolidation of the Western 
Railroad with the Boston & Worcester road was brought 
about, — "a work which had engaged his best energies for 
years, not so much for the interest of the stockholders as 
for that of the general public." It was during his presi- 
dency that the road was double tracked from Worcester to 
Albany, and large expenditures of money were made for 
terminal facilities at l^oston, — the erection of an immense 
elevator at East Boston, and the purchase of land in Boston 
to increase track room. New passenger stations at Boston 
and Worcester, and the new iron bridge at the latter place, 
all engaged his careful attention. Mr. Chapin at one time 
was the largest stockholder in the corporation, from which 
investment he was deservingly entitled to reap the benefit. 

He was a representative in Congress from the loth 
Massachusetts district, from 1875 to 1877, and served on 
the important Committee of Ways and Means. 

In 1827 he was adjutant First Regiment of Infantry, 
First Brigade, Fourth Division, Massachusetts Volunteer 
Militia, under the command of Colonel David M. Bryant. 

Mr. Chapin gave $50,000 to Amherst College during 
the presidency of Rev. Dr. Seelye, and $26,000 to the 
building fund for the erection of the Church of the Unity. 

He built the house on Chestnut street in 1844 and 
removed there in March, 1845, from his former residence 
on West State street. 

June I, 1825, he married Dorcas Chapin, daughter of 
Colonel Abel and Dorcas Chapin. She was born April 1 1, 
1801, and died November 14, 1886, in the 86th year of her 
age. Mr. Chapin died June 10, 1883, in the 85th year of 
his age. Children now living : Mrs. William Bliss, Boston, 
Mrs. James A. Rumrill, Springfield, and Chester W. Cha- 
pin, New York city. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. IQ^ 

Capt. Ashbel Chapin, son of Moses and Bethia Chapin. 
was born in Chicopee, August 21, 1765. A farmer. He 
was one of the assessors of Springfield in 1801. He was 
commissioned ensign ot a company October 29, i8or, First 
Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division, Mass. Volunteer 
Militia; lieutenant, April 19, 1803 ; captain, June 26, 1804. 

Februarys, 1794, he married ElanorVan Horn, daughter 
of Abraham Van Horn. She died November 22, 1833, aged 
68 years. Captain Chapin died July 21, 1840, aged 75 
years less one month. Children : four sons, two daughters. 

Dea. Chauncey Chapin, a farmer, son of Judah Chapin 
and Lois (Stebbins) Chapin, was born September 26. 1789. 
He was for several years secretary of the Hampden County 
Abolition Society, became a member of the First Congre- 
gational Church, Rev. Samuel Osgood, in 1844, and was 
elected a deacon in 1848. 

December 2, 18 19, he married Nancy J. Lombard, daugh- 
ter of Roswell Lombard, of Springfield. Deacon Chapin 
died May 6, 1851, aged 61 years, 7 months. Children: 
five sons, three daughters. 

Dormer Chapin, son of Captain Phineas Chapin and 
Sabrina (Wright) Chapin, was born February 25, 1781. A 
farmer. He held many town offices, was surveyor of high- 
ways and a selectman for several years. He married 
October 2, 1S03, Lucretia Smith, daughter of Phillip Smith. 
She died October 13, 1828, aged 45 years. 

Dormer Chapin died May 11, 1870, aged 89 years. 
Children : six sons, six daughters. 

Lieut. Elisha Chapin, son of Elisha and Eunice Cha- 
pin, was born at West Springfield. Mass., in 1774. He was 
enlisted for three years in the service of the United States 
as a marine, on the 6th of October, 1798, at Springfield, by 
Lieutenant Dimon Colton, U. S. Navv. His age at the 



104 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

time of his enlistment was 24 years. He was six feet one 
inch in height, had dark eyes, dark hair, and dark complex- 
ion, and by occupation was a painter. He sailed to the 
East Indies, under Lieutenant Colton, where they remained 
the most of the time in the vicinity of Sumatra, Java, 
and the adjacent islands, for the protection of American 
commerce in that region. During his service of about 
three years, he was promoted corporal December 8, 1798, 
and sergeant March 20, 1799, and was honorably dis- 
charged July 31, 1 80 1, upon expiration of term of service 
as a sergeant. 

On his return home from the East Indies he married, 
July 23, 1803, Betsey Morgan, daughter of Aaron Morgan 
and Roxany (Colton) Morgan, of Chicopee parish. She 
was born June 28, 1780. Their children : one son, six 
daughters. In the War of 1812 he enlisted and was on 
recruiting service, and reported to Colonel Learnard at 
Pittsfield, Mass. He was commissioned ensign Ninth 
Regiment U. S. Infantry, June 30, 18 14; second lieutenant, 
September i, 18 14, and joined the army at Sackett's Har- 
bor, where he remained the most of the time while in the 
service. At the close of the war he was ordered to report 
at Washington, when he received an honorable discharge 
June 15, 181 5. After the war, owing to ill health, he did 
not engage in active business, but spent his time in his 
garden and with his books, and became well informed in 
astronomy and botany. In 1835 he united with the Baptist 
church in Ireland parish. 

He died from asthma, July 17, 1837, aged 6^) years. 

The following is a pay-roll of Capt. Ephraim Chapin's 
company in Col. Ruggies Woodbridge's regiment of Massa- 
chusetts Bay militia ( Capt. Ephraim Chapin was the father 
of the late Chester W. Chapin) : — 

"Captain Ephraim Chapin, Lieutenant David Burt, Sergeants Aaron 
Morgan, John Gardner, Daniel Colton, George Wright, Corporals 
Alexander Beebe, Thomas Bliss, John McMarster, Salvanias Sander- 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. IO5 

son, Drummer Ezra Stebbins, Privates Benoni Banister, Eli Banister, 
Seba Bement, Calvin Bliss. Moses Barber, Zadock Bliss, Daniel 
Boner, Joel Bishop, Zoreas Bordock, Suone Clark, Simeon Colton. 
Japhet Chapin. Seth Chapin, Samuel Combs, Levi Crandel. David 
Chapin. Jacob Chapin. Justin Cooley, Jayns Cooley, David Daniels. 
Oliver Duton, Stephen Demands. Isaac Ferrell. Arial Hancock. John 
Lumes, Samuel Morgan, Isaac Mc.Marster. Gad Pamer. Edward Pain, 
William Sloan, Rubin Sherer, Joel Stebbins, Abner Sikes, David 
Torry, David Wright, Joseph Frost. Mash Bisel, James Eddey, Daniel 
Beebe, Stuard Beebe, David Dain, Ebenezer Jones. 

'■Amount of pay roll, _/'444-o-3. 
••(Signed) EFHRAIM CHAPIN. Cai-t. 

•'Hampshire SS : June 20th, 1778, Capt. Ephraim Chapin within 
named personally appeared and made Solemn Oath to the truth of 
the within pay roll. 

" Coram : William Pvnchon, Junr.. Just : Pacis. 

•' Be pleased to pay the contents of the within roll to Abel Chapin. 

" EPHRAIM CHAPIN, Cai'T. 
■' Hon. Henry Gakdxek, Esqr." 

Captain Erastus Chapin, son of Captain Ephraim 
Chapin and Mary (Smith) Cha})in, was born in Chicopee, 
July 21, 1783. While living in Willimansett, and about the 
year 1820, he moved to Springfield (center) and in 1821 
built the Hampden House, which was opened to the public 
in June, 1822, as per the following notice : — 

'•HAMPDEN COFFEE HOUSE. 

" North side of Court .Square. Springfield. Mass. The subscriber 
has furnished the new and elegant brick house erected last season on 
the corner of Court square for the reception of company. It is deemed 
by competent judges to be the most commodious building of the kind 
in the state west of Boston, and its situation is peculiarly pleasant and 
attractive. Travelers and parties of business or pleasure will find 
every accommodation usual in such establishments, and can at all 
times have access to a room regularly provided with the leading news- 
papers and journals in the United States. The choicest liquors will 
at all times be kept, and during the summer months a soda fountain 
will be attached to the establishment. Horses and carriages will be 
furnished at the shortest notice. 

" The subscriber will be assiduous and devoted in his attention to 
all who may honor him with their company. Erastus Ciiai'ix. 

'• Springfield, June, 1822. 

" Ta7inatt &^ Co., Friniers, Springfield.''^ 



I06 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

February lo, 1824, he was succeeded by Samuel Phelps, 
who died at^^Ware, Mass., November i, 1843, aged 54 years. 

Erastus Chapin was commissioned lieutenant August 
26, 18 18, in regiment of cavalry, First Brigade, Fourth 
Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia ; promoted cap- 
tain October 12, 1820; honorably discharged April 23, 1824. 

About the year 1830 he removed to Albany, N. Y., 
where he engaged in the hotel business, being proprietor of 
the City Hotel for several years. He afterwards removed 
to St, Louis, Mo., where he was a dealer in flour and grain. 

May 18, 18 10, he married Ulrica Chapin, daughter of 
Captain Phineas Chapin and Sabrina (Wright) Chapin. 
She was born December 16, 1786, and died at Galena, 111., 
October 2, 1844, in the 58th year of her age. 

Erastus Chapin died in St. Louis, Mo., August 11, 
1852, aged 69 years. Children: six sons, three daughters. 

Mr. Ethan Samuel Chapin, a partner with his brother, 
Marvin Chapin, under the firm name of M. & E. S. Chapin, 
and the son of Samuel Chapin, and Mary (Pease) Chapin, 
was born at Somers, Conn., July, 1814. His father with 
his family moved to Chicopee Falls, Mass. When a boy, 
Ethan S. Chapin found employment in the cotton mill, and 
by merit he was soon promoted to the position of second 
overseer. In a few years he went to Stafford, Conn., and 
was employed in Ruggles's pistol shop, and from thence he 
moved to Cabotville, now Chicopee, Mass., and commenced 
work in N. P. Ames's sword manufactory. In 1836 his 
brother Marvin took charge of the Cabot House at Chic- 
opee, and soon after Ethan resigned his position at the 
Ames Works and joined his brother in the management of 
the hotel. 

In 1842 his brother Marvin bought at auction the Judge 
John Hooker property on which the Massasoit House now 
stands. At this time the late Israel M. Parsons was asso- 
ciated with him, but Mr. Parsons soon retired, and Ethan 
S. came from the Cabot House in Chicopee and became a 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. IQ/ 

partner with his brother in the Massasoit House, which was 
opened to the public on the 27th of June, 1843. The hotel 
became famous for its excellences, and its popularity was 
well known throughout the land. 

Mr. Chapin was one of the original stockholders of the 
Fire and Marine Insurance Company, of Springfield, Mass. 
In connection with his brother Marvin he subscribed $15,000 
to the stock, they being the first on the list of subscribers. 

For many years he was a director in the Chapin 
National Bank, also a stockholder in the Springfield Gas 
Light Company. 

At the age of 20 years he invented a gun lock. In a 
work written by Lieutenant J. A. Dahlgren of the United 
States Army and published in 1853, allusion is made to "a 
lock which came into the possession of the ordnance 
department, but not bearing the name of the inventor. 
He [Mr. Chapin] was quite positive that it was the one 
which he sent to Washington and from which the tag bear- 
ing his name had probably been lost. Lieutenant Dahlgren 
gave a description of the lock, and added that no illustra- 
tion could do justice to the ingenuity of the contrivance or 
to the e.xcellence of the finish by which it was developed." 

In 1864 he published a pamphlet of thirty pages entitled 
" Gravity and Heat." Its reception by scientific men 
encouraged him to make further investigations and experi- 
ments, which led him in 1S67 to put forth a volume of 120 
pages on "Gravitation and Nature," which he dedicated to 
his daughter, Mrs. William H. Haile. In 1867 he had 
issued from the Riverside Press a volume of 200 pages 
upon "Gravitation," the revision of which, together with 
the results of his later studies, he had committed to the 
late Rev. M. C. Stebbins, formerly of this city. 

While one of the proprietors of the Massasoit House, 
he had many opportunities to become acquainted with 
and to consult college professors and men of scientific 
attainments who were patrons of that famous hostelry. 
Great interest was manifested among scientific men in the 



I08 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

information given in the works above mentioned. A last- 
ing friendship grew up from their intimacy in the exxhange 
of views upon scientific topics, between the late Prof. 
Benjamin Pierce of Cambridge, Mass., and Mr. Chapin. 
In 1864 Williams College conferred upon him the honorary 
degree of master of arts, in recognition of his pamphlet 
published at that time. 

Mr. Chapin was abreast if not in advance of the 
professional scientists of the day, as indicated by this 
quotation from the Annual Cyclopedia for 1880: "Among 
the papers read at a meeting of the Royal Astronomical 
Society on May 14, 1880, was one of great value by Dr. 
Henry Draper, of New York. The facts now obtained by 
spectroscopic investigations seem clearly to indicate that 
Jupiter is still hot enough to give out light, though perhaps 
only in a periodic or eruptive manner. The extraordinary 
commotions along the Atlantic coast in the summer of 1886, 
culminating in the Charleston, S. C, earthquake, were in 
direct confirmation of Mr. Chapin's conclusions, the results 
of which have now become part and parcel of accepted 
scientific knowledge." 

Mr. Chapin established the Chapin Home at Ahmed- 
nuggur, India, in memory of his daughter, Alice Sophia, 
who died at Philadelphia, January 9, 1880, aged 27 years. 
The home is intended for the care and instruction of Hindu 
women, is doing noble work, and is highly spoken of by 
those who have visited it. The following tribute to it is 
taken from a Bombay paper : — 

" The Chapin home, so called from a donor in the United States, is a 
modest institution which will escape the notice of the visitor unless spe- 
cially inquired for, but which will repay a visit under the guidance of 
Miss Hume, through whose energy it exists. It has long been a problem 
to know what to do with the Hindu women, who, desirous of becoming 
Christians, are sent adrift by their friends, and those who for other 
reasons find themselves friendless and helpless, and apply for aid. 
Miss Hume has solved this problem by establishing this home. All 
women who are admitted are taught to read and write, but special 
instruction is given in sewing, and in the cutting out and making of 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. IO9 

native garments. They form a staff of nurses, ar.d are sent to help in 
the care of the sick, or go out for domestic service. For these services 
they receive money, and they will scon be able to entirely support 
themselves. All are required to study and work, so that the home is 
in no sense a poorhouse. At present there are ten inmates. One is 
a Brahmin widow. This home will give hearty welcome to any widows 
who wish to learn to support themselves, and at the same time are 
willing to learn Christian truth." 

In 1 88 1 Mr. Chapin went to Europe, enjoying himself 
in traveling and sight-seeing in England and on the conti- 
nent, this being his second trip abroad. 

During the early part of his residence here, Mr. Chapin 
attended the First Church, but, upon the organization of 
the Memorial Church, he became a valued member and 
helper in that society. 

In 1839 Mr. Chapin married Louisa Burns of West 
Springfield, Mass., born in 18 14. About the year 1869 he 
bought the James S. Dwight mansion on Chestnut street, 
where he resided until his death. Of their children now 
living, Amelia Louisa married Hon. William H. Haile of 
Springfield, Mass., Ex- Lieutenant Governor of Massachu- 
setts ; Emma Frances married Henry S. Ward of New 
York city, and resides at Englewood, N. J. 

Ethan S. Chapin died March i, 1889, in the 75th year 
of his age. 



Mr. Frederick Chapin, son of Ephraim and Jemima 
Chapin, was born in Chicopee, April 21, 177 1. A farmer 
and raised many fine cattle. In 1834 he was the owner of 
a powder mill at " Teger,"' and engaged in the manufacture 
of powder. He also carried on a brickyard. In connec- 
tion with his son, Daniel Munro Chapin, he was engaged in 
the manufacture of friction matches, which were the first 
made in this country. 

He married October i, 1795, Roxalany Lamb, daughter 
of Daniel Lamb of South Hadley Falls, Mass. She was 
born February i, 1775, and died October 18, 1838, aged 6} 



IIO SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

years, 8 months, 17 days. For a second wife he married 
Widow Lois Rice of Northboro, Mass. She died Septem- 
ber 16, 1848, aged 69 years, and was buried in Northboro. 
He died March 9, 1848, aged ^6 years, 10 months, 16 days. 
Children : three sons, one daughter. 

The house in which Mr. Chapin lived and died is still 
standing on Chicopee street, and is occupied by a grand- 
daughter. The house was built in 1787. 

The following is a copy of a bill of sale of a negro boy, 
found among the papers of the late Frederick Chapin, 
Chicopee street. Ephraim Chapin was the grandfather of 
the late Chester W. Chapin. 

" I, Charles Colton of Springfield, for and per consideration of 
fifty five Pounds Lawful money Paid me by Ephraim Chapin of Spring- 
field, have sold and hereby sell and pass over to the Said Ephraim 
Chapin one Negro boy named Barton, aged about twelve years, & 1 
do covenant with said Chapin that I have good right to sell said Negro, 
and now warrant him to said Chapin as sound & well and that he 
shall and may enjoy the services of said boy without any past Claims 
of any person to him. Witness my hand and seal 

•'May 15th 1760. .-^^v_^. 

"CHARLES COLTON. \ \ 

■'Joseph Williston, ") X 

"jAcor. White." ^^^,-^ 



Dea. Giles Smith Chapin, son of Captain Ephraim 
Chapin and Mary (Smith) Chapin, was born April 19, 1787. 
A farmer, he raised and fatted many cattle for the market. 
He was a member of the board of selectmen of Springfield 
and Chicopee for several years, and a member of the Legis- 
lature in 1 85 1 from Chicopee. He was deacon of the Con- 
gregational church (Chicopee street) from 1834 to Septem- 
ber 6, 1863, when he resigned the office. He served as a 
delegate to an ecclesiastical council in 1863. He married 
May 29, 1816, Betsey Chapman of Ellington, Conn. She 
was born May 10, 1787, and died October 13, 1873, aged 
86 years. He died March 15, 1865, aged 78 years. Chil- 
dren : three sons, four dausjhter.s. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELI 



1 I 1 




No. 73 Liberty street, residence of tlie l;ite t'ol. Harvey Cliapin from October, 
1S50, to Septenilier, 1S77. 



112 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



113 



Hon. and Col. Hakvey Chapin, son of Col. Abel and 
Dorcas Chapin, was born October 2, 1787, in the old man- 
sion now standing- on Chicopee street, which was built by 
his father in 1785. Colonel Harvey was a farmer, and gave 
some attention to raising of stock (fat cattle), which were 
often sent to New York and Boston markets. The head- 
quarters of the former place was "Bull's Head," and of the 
latter "Brighton." In 1822 he was chosen one of the 
selectmen of Springfield, and was again elected in 1826-27 
and in 1833-34. In February, 1825, he was appointed by 
High Sheriff John Phelps, Esq., deputy sheriff and gaoler for 
Hampden county, and remained in office until June, 1836. 

One summer night in 1829 an attempt was made to 
release those noted criminals, Marcus R. Stephenson and 
George Ball. They were committed for burglary of houses 
and stores in 1828. Colonel Chapin was awakened by the 
barking of the dog, and at once got up from his bed, and 
went to the gaol-yard door and listened for the purpose of 
detecting anyone inside of the gaol yard, but hearing no 
sound he returned to the house, believing the prisoners 
were all safe. The next morning on entering the gaol and 
in trying to unlock the great padlock at the door it was 
found to have been tampered with, so that it was necessary 
to send for the late Moses Dagget,the blacksmith, to break 
the lock before the door could be opened. Upon entering 
the cell Colonel Chapin asked Stephenson what all this 
meant. He said that his brother came last night to get 
them out of gaol, and they heard Colonel Chapin outside of 
the gaol yard, and that if he had unlocked the gaol-yard 
door and come into the yard, he would have been a dead 
man, as his brother and his companion had come prepared 
to release them, even to taking life if it had been necessary. 
In 1833 Colonel Chapin was sent to capture Simeon Mal- 
lory for burglary with intent to kill. After three weeks' 
search through New York state, he was traced to Kingston, 
Canada, where Colonel Chapin took him into custody, hav- 
ing previously obtained extradition papers. Upon reach- 



114 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

ing Albany, while on his way East with his prisoner, Mal- 
lory refused to go any farther. Looking him squarely in 
the face, Colonel Chapin said that he would go to Spring- 
field with him alive or dead. After that he had no more 
trouble and he brought him back to Springfield and lodged 
him in gaol. Calvin Barrett, a long time resident of the 
" Hill," committed forgery and fled in 1834, but none knew 
where. Colonel Chapin was sent in pursuit of him. After 
a long search he at last found him in New York state, on 
his way to Canada, and brought him back to Springfield, 
much to the surprise of the citizens of the town. 

Colonel Chapin was one of the overseers of the poor from 
1827 to 1832. He took much interest in military affairs. 
He began service in 1810; on the 20th of July, 1812, he 
was chosen ensign of a company in the First Regiment of 
Infantry, First Brigade, Fourth Division of the Militia of 
Massachusetts, receiving his commission from Gov. Caleb 
Strong, dated July 29, 181 2 ; on the 3d day of June, 18 13, 
was chosen lieutenant, his commission dated July 15, 1813 : 
was chosen captain June 15, 181 5, his commission dated 
August 12, 1815 ; on the 18th day of May, 18 18, he was 
chosen major, and the 28th of May, 18 18, received his com- 
mission from Gov. John Brooks ; he was chosen lieutenant 
colonel on the 28th of April, 18 19. his commission being 
dated May 21, 18 19. On the 4th of July, 1822. he was 
elected colonel, and received his commission from Gov. 
John Brooks, July 18, 1822. 

The following is a copy of his discharge from the 
service : — 

"COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

" Head Quarters, Boston, July 31, 1826. 
"The Governor and Commander in Chief has accepted the Resig- 
nation of Harvey Chapin as Colonel of the First Regiment of Infantry 
in the first Brigade, and fourth Division of the Militia of this Common- 
wealth : and is hereby honorably discharged, at his own request, from 
the office of Colonel in the Regiment aforesaid. 

" By his Excellency's Command, 

"C. O. H. SUMNER, Adjutant General." 



AND MANSIONS OF SI'RIN( IFI I:LD. II5 

In August, 1829, he received the commission of coro- 
ner from Gov. Levi Lincoln, and held the office for thirty- 
five years ; June 2, 1831, he was reappointed deputy sheriff 
and gaoler by High Sheriff Caleb Rice, Esq. 

In 1835 he was elected senator — Massachusetts Senate 
— from Hampden county, and was re-elected the next year, 
1836. In the construction of the Western Railroad (now 
Boston & Albany) during the years of 1838-39-40, Colonel 
Chapin was employed as agent and contractor by those 
eminent engineers, Captain William H. Swift and Major 
George W. Whistler. He was, at the urgent request of 
Col. George Bliss, solicited to secure subscriptions to the 
stock of the road, a work which in those days required 
great perseverance, as the people along the line of the road 
had fears that their farms would all be mortgaged to the 
state, and in consequence they would be ruined if the road 
was built. As it seemed impossible to raise the amount 
required to build the road from individuals, aid was asked 
for from the state, and by legislative acts assistance was 
granted to the corporation, and then the work on the road 
was pushed forward with great energy, and in 1839 was 
opened to Worcester from Springfield. Colonel Chapin 
and some officers of the road were among the first to pass 
over it. He was chief marshal at the celebration on the 
opening of the road October 3, 1839, and at the age of 
seventy-five years, nearly, was marshal of the day at the 
Chapin gathering held at the First Congregational Church, 
Springfield, Mass., September 17, 1862. 

Colonel Chapin was appointed postmaster of Springfield 
by President John Tyler, holding the office about one year. 
His commission bears date August 29, 1843. He was again 
appointed by President James K. Polk, his commission being 
dated March 18, 1846, and was also postmaster in 1849, dur- 
ing the term of Gen. Zachary Taylor, one year and four 
months. 

Colonel Chapin was appointed by Gov. George N. Briggs, 
justice of the peace, for seven years from January 7, 1851, 



ii6 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




MRS. HARVEY CHAPIN, 
nee Hannah Chapin. 



AND MANSIONS OF SI'KI NGFI ELD. ny 

and was appointed by Guv. George S. Boutwell special justice 
of the police court Ma}', 1852. 

November 29, 1 8 10, he married Hannah Chapin, daughter 
of Captain Phineas Chapin and Sabrina (Wright) Chapin. 
She was born December 21, 1790. and died April 6, 1868, 
aged yj years. Colonel Chapin died September 28, 1877, 
aged 90 years, less 4 days. 

Children : seven sons, two daughters. Now living, Mrs. 
Ann Jeannette Crooks ; Edmund D. Chapin, president of 
the John Hancock National l^ank ; Charles W. Chapin ; 
George A. Chapin, of Boston & Albany Railroad : all of 
Springfield; and Mrs. Charlotte B. l^rinsmade of Washing- 
ton, Conn. 

Mr. Marvin Chapin, the landlord of the famous hostelry, 
Massasoit House, was the son of Samuel and Mary (Pease) 
Chapin and was born in Somers, Conn., July 5, 1806. 
He worked on his father's farm until he was seventeen 
years old and then he left his home with a quarter of a 
dollar as his capital to begin business life. He went to 
Westfield, Mass., where he spent three years apprenticed 
to his uncle, Samuel Smith, to learn the tanning business 
and shoemaking. For his services as an apprentice during 
this time he received twenty-five dollars a year, his boots 
and shoes, and four days to himself each summer to work 
to earn whatever he could at haying. On the expiration 
of his three years' service, he had a cash capital of 
fifty dollars. He afterwards went to Roxbury, Mass., 
and for six months worked at tanning, and later in 
Randolph, Mass., and soon after returned to Westfield, 
and worked for his uncle about three years for $150 per 
year. He then had his first experience in a hotel for a few 
months at the same wages he received at his trade. He 
was for about a year clerk in the store of Charles Jessup, 
and for a time was engaged in the manufacture of shoes on 
his own account. 

In 1835 he went to Worcester, Mass., and in December 



Il8 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

of tliat year he joined a party of surveyors who were going 
to Florida to survey a route for a railroad from Jacksonville 
to St. Mark's. The project was started by Boston capital- 
ists. Mr. Chapin was a rod man in this survey, his pay 
being $20 per month and found. When he sailed out of 
Boston he was in very poor health, and members of the 
party predicted that he would never live to return. But 
the sea voyage, outdoor life, and living on the "luxurious 
products of our southern clime" — venison, wild turkey, 
sweet potatoes, hominy, and syrup from the sugar cane — 
built him up physically so that on his return north his 
health was quite restored. In the spring of 1836 he 
returned home by boat, landing in Boston, and then coming 
to Worcester by railroad, and by stage to Springfield. In 
the mean time his father had removed from Somers, Conn., 
to Chicopee Falls. 

In Cabotville, now Chicopee, he secured a position as 
clerk for Mr. Kimball, proprietor of the Cabot House. In 
a few weeks he bought out the proprietor. After conduct- 
ing the hotel for a year or more, he placed it in the keeping 
of his brothers, Ethan S. and Albert P. Chapin, and went 
to Westfield and engaged in the manufacture of paper. 
This enterprise not being successful, at the end of the 
first year he closed it up and returned to the Cabot House, 
where he remained five years, and then removed to Spring- 
field. 

On the Western Railroad being opened for business 
from Worcester in October, 1839, "^^^^ ^o Albany in 1841, 
Mr. Chapin saw the importance and the value of the prop- 
erty of the late Judge John Hooker as a site for a hotel and 
decided to purchase it, which he did from the late Josiah 
Hooker for $8,000. The lot is 180 feet front on Main 
street, with a depth of about 310 feet. He soon began to 
build. The late Chauncey Shepard was the carpenter, and 
the mason work was done by the late Captain Charles 
McClallan of Cabotville, now Chicopee. This building is 
the one on the corner of Main and Railroad streets. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I IQ 

The house, on its completion, was christened the 
" Massasoit " from the celebrated Indian chief, the friend 
of the white man, and the firm of M. & E. S. Chapin was 
formed, which has never been dissolved and has won an 
enviable reputation far and wide. In 1873 Marvin Chapin 
withdrew from the active management of the house, and in 
1886 his brother Ethan S. also retired, and since that time 
William H. Chapin, their nephew, has leased the hotel, and 
is now its proprietor, maintaining; the high reputation 
established by his kinsmen. 

Mr. Chapin is a stockholder and director in the Spring- 
field Fire and Marine Insurance Company. He first sug- 
gested to the late Chester W. Chapin that an insurance 
company ought to be started for insuring property here, 
and that the money paid for insurance be kept here instead 
of going out of town. His suggestion was acted upon and 
a subscription list for 8150,000 to establish a fire insurance 
company in Springfield was started, and the firm of M. & 
E. S. Chapin subscribed 515,000, their names being the 
first upon the list. The company was organized with a 
paid-up capital of 3150,000 April 9, 185 i. The first meet- 
ing of the stockholders was held at the Massasoit House, 
and Marvin Chapin was elected one of the directors and 
has continued in that service from that time to the present. 
The company has been managed with great tact and ability 
and ranks as one of the foremost in soundness and capacity. 
Its capital now is $[,500,000. 

Mr. Chapin is a stockholder and a director (from 1856 
to the present date) in the Springfield Gas Light Company. 
He was president of the company trom 1861 to 1870 and 
again from 1884 to 1889. 

He was a director in the Agawam National Bank and 
was its president from 1862 until 1870. 

Mr. Chapin has been a liberal contributor to many relig- 
ious and educational institutions. The First Church (of 
which he is a member) and other churches have received 
timely aid from his liberal hand. When the School for Chris- 



120 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

tian Workers was greatly in need of assistance he came for- 
ward and furnished the greater part of the money which was 
expended upon its structure. The Home for Aged Women 
in this city, Mr. Moo(:ly's schools, Northfield, Mass., General 
Armstrong's school, all have received his generous sup- 
port. 

In 1858 he was a representative from Springfield in the 
Legislature. He was admitted a member of the First Con- 
gregational Church, Rev. H. M. Parsons, June, 1855, from 
a church at Westfield, Mass. 

October 12, 1836, he married Rebecca Stowe of West- 
field, Mass. She died November 22, 1874, aged 65 years. 
Their children : Mrs. Harriet S. Birnie, Mrs. Mary D. Chap- 
man, Mrs. David A. Reed, and Rev. John M. Chapin, who 
was pastor of the First Church, West Springfield, and died 
in 1872. 

Maj. Moses Chapin, a farmer and practical land sur- 
veyor, son of Moses and Bethia Chapin, was born in Chic- 
opee, July 11, 1762. He was one of the assessors of the 
town in 1800 ; a justice of the peace for many years ; a rep- 
resentative of the old town of Springfield in the Legislature 
ini8io,and 1813 ; a member of the Constitutional Conven- 
tion in 1820; one of the selectmen in 1803, 1804, 1806, 
1807, 1808, 1809, 1 8 14, and 18 16. He was commissioned 
lieutenant August 20, 1792, First Regiment, First Brigade, 
Fourth Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia; captain, 
September 27, 1796; major, October 8, 1801 ; honorably 
discharged, and was succeeded by Alexander Field, June 
30, 1803. He was a member of the Second parish (Congre- 
gational), Chicopee street, and was clerk of the society from 
April 4, 1792, to 1822, and treasurer from May 26, 1794, to 
1825. 

November 17, 1785, he married Kezia Chapin, daughter 
of Capt. Ephraim and Jemima Chapin. She was born July 
23, 1776, and died November 28, 1822, aged 56 years. Major 
Chapin died December 30,1824, aged 62 years. "Major 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 12 1 

Moses" was greatly esteemed. Good judgment and great 
perseverance were marked traits of his character. Children : 
five sons, three daughters. 

Capt. Orange Chapin, a farmer and land surveyor, son 
of Moses and Kezia Chapin, was born at Chicopee street 
January 9, 1790. He taught school during five winter 
seasons. After the death of his father in December, 1824, 
he moved to Willimansett. He was a member of the board 
of selectmen of Springfield during the years 1827, 1828, 
1829, 1830. An assessor for fifteen years in succession, 
and a justice of the peace for more than thirty years. He 
was commissioned ensign, May 6, 1817, First Regiment, 
First Brigade, Fourth Division, Massachusetts Volunteer 
Militia; lieutenant, July 20, 1818 ; captain, July 7, 1819: 
discharged, December 17, 1822. He was a director in the 
Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October 
14, 1830, to October 6, 1834. In 1835, 1836, and 1839 he 
was in the Legislature, a member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives. After the division of the town of Springfield 
in 1848, he served one year as selectman of the town of 
Chicopee. He was much interested in church affairs, was 
clerk of the First Congregational Society (Chicopee street) 
from 1 82 1 to 1863 ; its treasurer from April, 1825, resigning 
the office in 1867 ; and was deacon of the church from 
April 24, 1840, to September 6, 1863. " Capt. Orange " was 
often intrusted with and settled many estates of deceased 
persons, and was guardian to many minor children. 

May 6, 18 19, he married Julia Rumrill, daughter of Asa 
and Rhoda Rumrill of South Hadley. Mass. She was born 
October 9. 1799 ; died April 6, 1866, aged 66 years. Cap- 
tain Chapin died September 9, 1 867, aged 'j'j years, 8 months. 
Children (adopted) : Orange Chapin Towne and Julia 
Chapin Rumrill. 

Mr. Samuel Chapin, son of Abner and Abigail (Warner) 
Chapin, was born at Wilbraham, Mass., January 30, 1762. 



122 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

III July, 1778, he enlisted for six months under Capt. 
Nathan Rowley and Col. John Jacobs, marched to Rhode 
Island, where he joined his regiment on the island of Rhode 
Island, under General Sullivan. His company was not in 
the battle (August 29, 1778), but he was in the retreat to 
the mainland and was stationed at Tiverton, R. I. From 
July, 1779, he served one month under Capt. Samuel Burt 
and Ensign Simeon Chapin in Colonel Porter's command 
at New London, Conn. 

His first wife was Hulda Wright of Ludlow, Mass. 
She died June 11, 1806. Four children — two sons and 
two daughters — were born to them. 

He married for his second wife Susannah Butts of 
Springfield, October 11, 1806. She died November 4, 
1859, aged 78 years. They had four sons and two 
daughters. 

In August, 1832, at the age of 70 years, Samuel Chapin 
applied for a pension, which he received under the act of 
Congress passed in 183 i. He died April 14, 1837, aged 75 
years. 

Dea. Sidney Chapix, a farmer and hotel keeper, son 
of Japhet and Lovina Chapin, was born in Chicopee, 
April 18, 1802. In 1824 he went to Albany, N. Y., and 
carried on the hotel business for several years. In 1840 
he returned to Chicopee and became a manufacturer of 
and dealer in brooms. 

He was one of the selectmen of the town, and was a 
director from 1849 to 1877 in the Cabot Bank, now the 
First National Bank of Chicopee. 

October 4, 1863, he was elected deacon in the Second 
parish (Congregational), Chicopee, and resigned November 
28, 1875. He married Pamelia Pendleton, daughter of 
Jesse Pendleton. She was born April 26, 1805, died July 
19, 1879, aged 74 years. Deacon Chapin died January 8, 
1 88 1, in his 79th year. Children: three sons, one daughter. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPKIN( iFIF.LI). I 23 

Mr. Whitfield Ciiapin, son of Japhet and Lovina 
Chapin, was born May 4, 1787. He engaged in thelumber 
business, having a yard near the corner of Water and 
Bridge streets. He was an inspector of lumber in 1828, 
and was one of the selectmen of the town. 

Mr. Chapin was one of the captors of those noted crim- 
inals, George Ball and Marcus R. Stephenson. One Sun- 
day morning in the winter, Mr. Chapin and Elijah Blake 
captured them in the woods between the Morgan road 
and Chicopee Falls road. They had committed several 
burglaries in the town during the winter of 1828-29. They 
were tried for their crimes, convicted, and sentenced to the 
state prison for life. After serving twelve years they 
were pardoned out. 

Mr. Chapin married November 30, 1809, Luna Chapin, 
daughter of Col. Silas Chapin. She was born October 29, 
1789, and died March 6, 1819, aged 29 years. Children: 
two sons, one daughter. 

He married, second, Melia Chapin, sister of his first 
wife. She was born February 21, 1795, died May 5, 1849, 
aged 54 years. Mr. Chapin died May 11, 1833, aged 46 
years. Children : two sons, three daughters. 

Mr. Pliny Cadwell, son of Pliny and Sarah Cadwell, 
was born in Wilbraham, Mass., in 1797, and was a mer- 
chant in that town for thirty years. About the year 1842 
he moved to Chicopee Falls and was engaged in business 
for many years. He was a stockholder and one of the first 
seven directors of the John Hancock Bank, which was 
chartered in 1850. He was one of the assessors of the 
town of Springfield in 1847. He died in Chicopee Falls, 
July 13, 187S, aged 81 years, 3 months, 21 days. 

Hon. William Barron Calhoun was born in Boston, 
Mass., December 29, 1796; graduated at Yale College in 
1814 ; came to Springfield and studied law in the office of 
Hon. George Bliss, Sr. ; was admitted to the bar in 18 18, 



124 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




WILLIAM B. CALHOUN. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 25 

and practiced his profession for many years. In 1830 he 
was chosen a member of the school committee. He was a 
member of the House of Representatives from 1825 to 
1835, and for two years speaker of the House, a state sen- 
ator in 1846-47 and president of the Senate during his 
term of office ; a representative in Congress from Decem- 
ber 7, 1835, to March 3, 1S43 ; a presidential elector in 
1844, on the ticket of Henry Clay for president. From 
1848 to 185 I he was secretary of state for Massachusetts. 
In 1853 he was appointed state bank commissioner and 
held the office until 1855, when upon the election of Henry J. 
Gardner, governor, he was relieved of the office. In 1859 
he was mayor of Springfield; in 1861 a representative to 
the Legislature. 

On his retirement from Congress he purchased in 1843 
the Goodale property of twenty-one acres on Chestnut 
street for ^2,000, which included Montmorenci street, and 
Lexington avenue in Ward one. He built a commodious 
dwelling, where, after the close of his public life, he spent 
the remainder of his days in the enjoyment of his taste for 
reading, from his well selected library, and contributed 
many articles on education and good government, which 
generally appeared in the Republican. His addresses made 
in the various positions of his public life were oi sound 
judgment and of marked ability. 

Mr. Calhoun was of a "dignified appearance, tall and 
erect in form, self-respecting, of spotless purity of mind. 
His religious character was a marked trait, a guiding influ- 
ence " in all transactions with his fellow beings in every 
position of his life. 

May 2, 1858, he became a member of the First Church, 
Springfield, by profession, having prior to this date been 
an attendant at the Unitarian Church, Rev. Dr. Peabody, 
and in 1837 was one of the officers (moderator) of the so- 
ciety. 

He married Margaret Kingsbury, daughter of Dr. Sam- 
uel Kingsbury, a prominent physician of Springfield. She 



126 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 12/ 

died May 7, 1877, aged 66 years. Children : two sons, one 
daughter. Mr. Calhoun died November 8, 1865, in the 
69th year of his age. 

Mr. Amos Call, manufacturer, was born in Springfield, 
January 4, 18 14. In his boyhood he went to live in Troy, 
N. Y., and at Stafford Springs, Conn. At the age of nine 
years he came to Springfield with his father. When four- 
teen years old he went to learn the machinist's trade in 
the shop of S. C. Bemis of Willimansett. In 1830, after 
two years' work, he left and went to Hartford, and from 
thence to Meriden, Conn. In 1834 he returned to Spring- 
field, and took charge of the store of Mr. Bemis at Willi- 
mansett. In 1838 he went into the employ of Mr. Bemis 
under a contract for the manufacture of hardware. Moving 
to Springfield in 1844, they started a factory at the south 
end, on Mill river, and entered into copartnership under 
the firm name of Bemis & Call Company. Mr. Call was 
made president. During the War of the Rebellion they 
did a large business in making harness irons for the U. S. 
Government. In 1856-57-58-59-60 he was assistant en- 
gineer in the fire department, an alderman from Ward six 
in 1 861, 1867, J 868, and 1875. Mr. Call was a prominent 
Mason. In 1852 he took the Red Cross degree, and the 
Templar degree a short time after. When twenty years 
old he joined the Baptist Church in Meriden, Conn., and on 
coming to Springfield he became a member of the First 
Baptist Church, and was a deacon therein for several years. 

May 16, 1838, he married Ruhema Chapin Skeele, 
daughter of Otis Skeele and Kezia (Chapin) Skeele. She 
was born in Hartford, Conn., June 23, 181 5, and died May 
14, 1892, aged ']() years, 1 1 months, 21 days. Mr. Call died 
August 30, 1888, in the 75th year of his age. 

They celebrated their golden wedding May 16, 1888. 
Deacon Call was a much respected and worthy citizen. 
Children: Charles A. Call and Mrs. Addison H. Watson, 
both residents of Springfield. 



128 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




The home of the late Captain Joseph Carew, Sr., corner of Main and Carew 
streets. He bought the land of Zenas Parsons in 1798, and built the house, which 
was finished in 1800. It is now occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Caroline Spencer. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



129 



Mr. Francis Morgan Cakew, son of Joscpli Carew 
and Laura (Bugbee) Carew, was born in 1804. A merchant 
on the ".Hill"; in 1824 was a partner of Walter H. 
Bovvdoin under the firm name of Bowdoin & Carew. In a 
few years they dissolved partnership, when Mr. Carew 
carried on the business in his own name, having as a clerk 
John L. King, who was afterwards associated with him 
under the firm of F. M. Carew & Co. 

Mr. Carew was a director in the Springfield Mutual 
Fire Assurance Company from May 14, 1827,10 October i, 
1827. He was a member of the House of Representatives 
in 1 84 1. 

In 1847 he was elected a director in the Chicopee Bank, 
now the Chicopee National Bank of Springfield. He 
served four years (1846 to 1849) ^s treasurer of the Uni- 
tarian society. 

Being unsuccessful in business, about 1850 he mo\ed 
to West Brookfield, where he was appointed station agent 
for the Boston & Albany Railroad, which position he held 
for about twenty years. 

He married Mabel Otis 1^'oot, daughter of Adonijah and 
Clarissa (Woodworth) Foot. She was born July 16, 18 12, 
and died July 20, 1888, aged '/6 years. Mr. Carew died at 
West Brookfield, Mass., March 17, 1870, aged 66 years. 

Capt. Joseph Carew was born in West Springfield 
(Ashleyville), Mass., April 11, 1773; was baptized in the 
First Congregational Church of that town June 13, 1773. 
In 1798 he came to Springfield and bought the land now 
corner of Main and Carew streets, on which he built the 
house yet standing and started a tannery (located a short 
distance east of the house ) which he carried on for many 
years. 

During the War of 181 2 he was " Captain of a compan\- 
in Lieut. Col. Enos Foot's Regiment of Gen'l Jacob Bliss's 
Brigade of detached corps under Major Gen'l VVhiton, pur- 
suant to General Orders of September 6, 1814." 



ISO 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




CAPT. JOSEPH CAREW. 



Fro:n a paintiiv^ by R. Earl, i8o(. 



AND MANSIONS OF STRINGFIELD. 



I";! 




MRS. JOSEPH CARKW, 

nee Laura Bugi'-ek. 



From a painting by R. Karl, 1S03. 



132 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

He was one of the selectmen of the town in 1822-23, 
and a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance 
Company from May 14, 1827, to October 5, 1829, and its 
president from July 25, 1827, to October 5, 1829. 

He married May i, 1802, Laura Bugbee of Wales, 
Hampden county, Mass., where she was born July 19, 1784; 
she died in Springfield, February 8, 1874, in the ninetieth 
year of her age. Children : three sons, three daughters. 
Captain Carew died June 30, 1843, ^^ ^^^ seventy-first year 
of his age. 

Joseph Carew, Jr., son of Joseph and Laura (Bugbee) 
Carew, was born in Springfield, Mass., September 5, 1807. 
Li the early part of his life he worked in his father's tan- 
nery, which was near his residence, corner of Main and 
Carew streets, and on the farm now covered by the Wason 
Car Works, Brightvvood. For two years he attended the 
Monson Academy. In 1824, when seventeen years of age. 
he entered the employ of Howard & Lathrop, on Main 
street, where he displayed such energy, and thoroughness 
in the business, that the next year he was promoted to the 
position of bookkeeper. 

In the spring of 1825 he went to South Hadley Falls. 
His employers supplied the United States Government at 
Washington with paper, and as the firm deemed it neces- 
sary to be represented by some one at the capital, Mr. 
Carew was offered the position but declined, though finally 
he was induced to serve as a representative of the firm, and 
the winter of 1829-30 he spent in Washington. During 
this time he had the good fortune of being able to hear the 
debate in the Senate of the United States, on the 26th of 
January, 1830, between Daniel Webster and Robert Y. 
Hayne of South Carolina. While in Washington Mr. 
Carew secured orders for paper from that veteran printer 
and publisher of the (ilobc, " Duff" Green. Through him 
he was introduced to many of the celebrated men of those 
times. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



133 




rOSEPII CAKEW, |R. 



134 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

In July, 1830, he went into the paper mill as clerk, and 
eventually he was put in charge of the manufacturing. 

On the 24th of September, 1833, Mr. Carew married 
Eliza, daughter of Josiah Bardwell of South Hadley Falls. 
She died May 7, 1874. 

About the year 1845 he retired from the paper mill for 
a time, and with David S. Damon engaged in a general 
milling business, the grinding of grain and rock salt, the 
latter of which came from Nantucket, Mass. 

His former employers, Howard & Lathrop, having met 
with heavy losses, were obliged to go into bankruptcy. 
The mill passed into the possession of Messrs. White & 
Sheffield of New York, who put Mr. Carew in charge of the 
establishment. In 1847 he, with Josiah Bardwell, and with 
twenty-five stockholders, organized the Carew Manufactur- 
ing Company, which has since been carried on with great 
success. The trade-mark of this company was a universal 
guarantee of standard quality of paper. 

While he was the manager of the company from its 
start, he was, during several years previous to his death, 
agent and treasurer, and the last year its president. At 
this time there were only six stockholders, Mr. Carew and 
his family holding a controlling interest. 

In 1852 the Carew Manufacturing Company were 
awarded the first premium by the commissioners of the 
World's Fair in New York. It was a great surprise to the 
English manufacturers, and caused a commission of Eng- 
lishmen to visit the mills for the purpose of seeing the proc- 
ess of making paper by machine that had triumphed over 
theirs made by hand. 

Mr. Carew was a member of the Massachusetts Senate 
in 1847. 

In 1864 Mr. Carew jointly with his wife built the Cor- 
gregational church, of which he was deacon, at South Had- 
ley Falls, at a cost of about $25,000, and presented it en- 
tirely furnished to the society. In 1870 he gave Amherst 
college the money for a scholarship, to which was added the 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRIN(;FIELD. 1 35 

condition that no one who used tobacco should receive its 
benefit, he being decidedly opposed to its use in any form, 
as well as to the drinking of intoxicating liquors. 

He was for many years a trustee in the Theological 
Seminary at Hartford, Conn., and in 1873 gave that insti- 
tution $5,000 to establish the Carew lectureship. 

He was one of the original stockholders and a director 
in the Third National Bank of Springfield, which was organ- 
ized in 1864 ; a director in the City National Bank of Hol- 
yoke, Mass., and a trustee and vice-president of the Holyoke 
Savings Bank. 

Mr. Carew was an exemplary citizen, of a kindly and 
generous nature, giving assistance to those who were in 
need and deemed worthy of his support. He died May 16, 
188 1, in the 74th year of his age. 

His son Frank, who was treasurer of the Hadley Falls 
Paper Company, died August i, 1877, at the age of thirty- 
nine years, from the effects of injuries received from a 
frightened horse. 

Hon. Timothy Walker Carter, son of Elias and Eudo- 
cia L. Carter, was born in Brimfield, Mass., July 2, 1809. 
When sixteen years old he went to Chicopee Falls and 
entered the store of Col. David M. Bryant as a clerk. At 
the age of twenty-one years he was admitted as a partner 
under the firm name of Bryant & Carter, which continued 
until 1834, when in December of that year he became agent 
of the Chicopee Manufacturing Company, which position he 
held until July i, 1846. During this time he had the 
agency of the Springfield Institution for Savings. 

He was the first petitioner for the Chicopee Falls Sav- 
ings Bank, and the first to introduce spring water into the 
village. He was a director and the president of the Lamb 
Knitting Machine Company, agent of the Massachusetts 
Arms Company, a director of the Cabot Bank, organized 
in 1845, now the First National Bank, Chicopee ; was mod- 
erator of the first town meeting of Chicopee, held May 17, 



136 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

1848, and was a director in the Ames Manufacturing Com- 
pany. He was a representative from Springfield in the 
Legislature in 1847-48, a member of the Constitutional 
Convention in 1853, and a member of the Massachusetts 
Senate from the Eastern Hampden District in 1860-61, 
also a member of the State Valuation Committee. 

Mr. Carter was a consistent and valued member of the 
Congregational church (at the Falls) for more than thirty 
years. 

September 26, 1843, he married Eliza A. Bayley of New- 
buryport, Mass. Children : two sons, two daughters. 

Mr. Carter died January 22, 1890, aged 80 years, 6 
months, 20 days. 

Hon. Horatio N. Case, son of Abner Case, a country 
merchant, was born in Granby, Conn., July 24, 1806. 
When a young man he was associated with his father in 
business. He was a member of the Connecticut Legisla- 
ture, and from 1840 to 1842 was on Governor Cleveland's 
staft, where he received his title of colonel. In 1843-44- 
45-46 he was a director in the Exchange Bank, Hartford, 
Conn. He came to Springfield in 1850 and was one of the 
first nine directors of the Western Bank, Springfield, which 
was organized in 1849, but withdrew his interest previous 
to its failure in 1857. He was a director in the Pynchon 
Bank upon its organization in 1853, and was elected its 
first president, but resigned the presidency in 1858, when 
James Kirkham was chosen president. On Mr. Kirkham's 
retirement in 1862, Mr. Case was again elected to theofifice, 
which he held until his death, having been its president 
for thirty years. He was for several years a director in the 
National Bank of Redemption, Boston, and a director in 
the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from 
October 5, 1863, to October 3, 1864. In 1856, when a 
representative in the Legislature, he, with the late Willis 
Phelps, acted in opposition to the Hoosac tunnel scheme. 
He was a member of the board of aldermen from Ward 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 37 

three in 1861-62 and did much towards the raising of 
soldiers for the front during the War of the Rebellion. In 
i860 he bought the house, 92 Maple street (built by the 
late Edmund Freeman), in which he resided until his death 
in 1889. 

On the 9th of October, 1850, he married Amoret ?. 
Root, daughter of Joel Root of East Granville, Mass. 

Colonel Case inherited much property from his father, 
which, with his known financial ability and judiciously 
made investments, was largely increased. 

He was fond of valuable historical paintings and had 
among his collection Wordsworth Thompson's famous 
painting, "The Grand Review at Philadelphia in 1777." 
He was a lover of flowers and cultivated them in profusion, 
and freely distributed them among his neighbors and the 
poor. 

He was a parishioner and a liberal supporter of the 
Church of the Unity, and gave $4,600 to the building fund 
for its erection. 

Mr. Case died May 24, 1889, aged 82 years, 10 months. 

Mr. Otis Chapman, son of Jacob and I'hebe Chapman, 
was born in Ashford, Conn., in 1806. He moved to 
Chicopee Falls about the year 1829, and was for more than 
twenty years paymaster of the Chicopee Manufacturing 
Company. He was auditor and one of the selectmen of 
the town, and chairman of the board for eight years. A 
member of the Masonic fraternity. 

Mr. Chapman died in Chicopee Falls, May 20, 1866, 
aged 60 years, 4 months. 

Hon. and Judgk Reuben Atwater Chapman was born 
in Russell, Mass.. September 20, 1801. He attended the 
common schools of the town, which were kept only for a 
few months in each year. At the age of seventeen he was 
engaged as a school teacher in the town of Montgomery, 
Mass. He afterwards went to Bland ford, where he was a 



138 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

clerk in a store. The young men of that town established 
a debating society, in which he became a member, and was 
prominent as the foremost debater. He was a student at 
law in the ofifice of Gen. Alanson Knox of Blandford, and 
was admitted to the bar in 1825, and during that year 
opened an office in Westfield. After two years' practice 
there he removed, in 1827, to Monson, Mass.. and in 1829 
to Ware, Mass. While practicing in Ware he was invited 
by the Hon. George Ashmun to come to Springfield. He 
accepted the invitation and removed there in 1830, when 
the law firm of Ashmun & Chapman was formed. Mr. 
Lorenzo Norton, who was a student at law in their ofifice, 
and was admitted to the bar in 1843, became a partner in 
the firm. 

In 1850 the firm was dissolved, and for some time 
Mr. Chapman conducted his business alone. In 1854 
Franklin Chamberlain became a partner, the firm being 
Chapman & Chamberlain, which was continued until i860. 

Mr. Chapman was a United States commissioner. 

In accordance with a legislative resolution passed in 
1849, Hon. George N. Briggs, who was governor from 1844 
to 185 1, appointed Mr. Chapman one of the members, with 
B. ¥. Curtis, Esq., of Boston, and N. J. Lord, Esq., of 
Salem, to draw up a practice act for the courts of justice of 
the commonwealth except for criminal cases. In i860 he 
was appointed by Gov. N. P. Banks justice of the supreme 
judicial court, and in February, 1868, on the retirement of 
Chief Justice George T. Bigelow from the bench, Gov. 
Alexander H. Bullock appointed Justice Chapman his suc- 
cessor, which ofifice he held until his death, June 28, 1873, 
in the 73d year of his age. 

Judge Chapman received the honorary degree of master 
of arts, conferred by Amherst College in 1841, and doctor 
of laws in 1861 ; also Williams College, master of arts, in 
1836, and Harvard College, master of arts, in 1864. 

He was a supporter of the Emigrant Aid Society, and, 
when a United States commissioner, great pressure was 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I39 

brought upon him to resign the office that he might avoid 
the offensive duty of returning fugitive slaves to their mas- 
ters. " I refuse to resign," was his firm reply. When an 
explanation of his position was asked, he said, " In the 
event of the pursuit of a slave to Springfield, as an officer 
of the Emigrant Aid Society, I would forward the fugitive 
to other parts; as United States commissioner I would 
then issue a warrant for his arrest." 

He was married at Monson, Mass., June, 1829, to 
Elizabeth Knox, daughter of Gen. Alanson Knox, of Bland- 
ford, Mass. In 1835 he and his wife became members of 
the First Church of Springfield, from the church in Monson. 

Children : one son, deceased ; two daughters, Mrs. Tim- 
othy M. Brown, and Miss Mary Chapman, of Springfield. 



c^ ^^^y^/Lo-^t*^*^^ 



Autograph written December 30, 1S37. 



Mr. John Chase was born in Litchfield, N. H., August 
19, 1788. He was descended from Aquilla Chase, who 
emigrated from Cornwall, England, about the year 1640. 
When ten years of age his parents removed to Dunbarton, 
N. H. In 18 12 he moved to Pembroke, N. H., where he 
worked as a mechanic for one dollar a day. At the age of 
twenty-five years, in 18 13, he went to Meredith Bridge, 
N. H., where he remained until 1820, when on the 20th of 
September the same year he removed to Dover Upper 
Factories. N. H., and in December, 1821, commenced work 
at Dover Landing, where he remained until June, 1829, in 
the superintendency of the machine shops. In 1830 he 
came to Chicopee Falls, remaining there until December 
4, 1832, when he removed to Cabotville, now Chicopee. He 
was a prominent builder and contractor, and held the agency 
of the Springfield Canal Company, and was a director in the 
Cabot Bank, Chicopee, now the First National Bank. 



140 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

March 20, 18 15, he married Nancy Stark, daughter of 
Gen. John Stark, the Revokitionary patriot. Mr. Chase 
died May 11, 1866, in the 78th year of his age. 

Mr. William Child, a distiller, carried on the busi- 
ness at Sixteen Acres, having as partners at one time, in 
1829, Rodney Holt, Epaphras L. Phelps, and George 
Gibbons. He was one of the selectmen of the town in 
1821-22-23 ! ^ representative to the Legislature in 1828. 
He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assur- 
ance Company from October 21, 1836, to October 4, 1841, 
and from October 6, 1845, to October 4, 1847, '^1"'^ its presi- 
dent from March 9, 1838, to October 4, 1841. He was one 
of the trustees of the Springfield Institution for Savings 
when organized in 1827. 

His wife, Ann, died April 20, 1846, aged 53 years. Chil- 
dren : two sons, two daughters. 

Capt. John Childe, son of Zechariah Childe (a Revo- 
lutionary soldier) and Lydia Bigelow, daughter of David 
Bigelow, of Worcester, Mass., was born at West Boylston, 
Mass., August 30, 1802. He graduated at the West Point 
Military Academy as brevet second lieutenant artillery, July 
I, 1827. He resigned his commission December i, 1835, 
and afterwards devoted himself to the construction of rail- 
roads, in which he became eminent. His first important 
service was upon the Western Railroad (now the Boston & 
Albany) between Worcester and Springfield. Upon its com- 
pletion he became the engineer also in the construction of 
the Connecticut River Railroad, and the Cleveland & Colum- 
bus Railroad. 

About the year 1848 he commenced, surveyed, and 
located, under his personal direction, the Mobile & Ohio Rail- 
road, 300 miles long, through Kentucky, Tennessee, Missis- 
sippi, and Alabama. He was the financial agent of the 
company and worked in procuring subscriptions to the stock, 
going abroad twice to interest European capitalists in the 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINC; FIELD. I4I 

enterprise. He was at the head of a commission of engineers 
appointed to examine Montreal harbor, and report upon 
a plan for its enlargement and deepening, with a view to 
making that port a rival to New York as the point of ship- 
ping the products of the Northwest in exchange for the 
manufactures of Europe. 

In 1832 he married Laura Dwight (born December 23, 
1809), daughter of James Scutt Dwight, who with her daugh- 
ter Lelia was lost at sea, while returning home after a sojourn 
in Europe, on the Steamer Arctic, which came in collision 
with the Steamer ]\-sfa off the coast of Newfoundland, 
September 27, 1854. At the time of this disaster Mrs. 
Childe was 44 years of age, and her daughter 19. Captain 
Childe's second wife was the daughter of the Hon. Mark 
Healey, of Boston. Capt. Childe died February 2, 1858, 
at the age of 57 years. 



Dr. Jefferson Church was born at Middlefield, Mass., 
October 21, 1802. 

He studied for the medical profession at the l^erkshire 
Medical Institution, Pittsfield, Mass. In 1825 he com- 
menced practice in Peru, Mass., where he remained about 
one year, when he came to Springfield and for nearly fifty 
years was a practicing physician. In connection with Dr. 
Edwin Seeger he edited and published " Tully's Materia 
Medica." 

In 1823 he married Betsey, daughter of Joseph Little, of 
Middlefield. She died November 8, 1846, in the 42d year 
of her age. Children : one son, one daughter. His sec- 
ond wife was Eliza Houpt, daughter of Samuel Houpt of 
Herkimer county, N. Y., whom he married in 1850. 

Dr. Church was a strong Anti-slavery man, upholding 
the cause for the abolition of slavery when there were but 
few to follow and sustain him. He died April 11, 1885, in 
the 83d year of his age. 



143 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




DR. lEFFERSON CHURCH. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



143 



Moses Church was the first postmaster of Springfield 
after the Revolution. He also kept a tavern where Wilson's 
block is, opposite the granite building formerly occupied by 
the Republican. 

Below is a list of all the postmasters of Springfield and 
the administrations under which they served. 



Postmasters. 

Mr. Moses Church, 
Mr. Daniel Lomi-.ard, 
Mr. Albert Morgan, 
Col. Solomon Warrinek 
Col. Harvev Chapin, 
Col. Galen Ames, 
Col. Harvey Chapin, 
Mr. William Stowe, 
Mr. Abijah W. Chapix, 
Mr. William Stowe, 
Col. Horace C. Lee, 
Mr. Edward P. Chapin. 
Col. John L. Rice, 
Col. H. M. Phillips, 



Pi;esidents. 

Washington. 

Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Adams. 

Jackson and Van Buren. 

Harrison. 

Tyler. 

Tyler. 

Polk. 

Taylor. 

Pierce, Buchanan. 

Lincoln, Grant. 

Grant. 

Garfield. 

Cleveland, 

Harrison. 



Mr. Church also served as collector, as evidenced by the 
following receipt : — 

"Received, Springfield, Aug. the 27th, 1787, of Capt. E])hraim 
Chapin, Eleven Pounds 6-i in full for Excise and Impost until this 
time, and have given two Receipts of this Tenor and Date. 



D. CoUeclor. 




Autograph written Nov. 29, i793' 

Capt. Ethan Allen Clary was a descendant of John 
and Sarah Clary, who came to this country and settled in 
Watertown in 1640. He was born in Sunderland, Mass., 
August 20, 1777. 

He came to Springfield in 1809, having been appointed 
to a position in the U. S. Armory, which he held until 18 12. 



144 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




ETHAN A. CLARY 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRIN(iFII-:LD. I45 

when he went to Boston and was recruiting officer of the 
U. S. Army stationed in that vicinity. On March ii, 1814, 
he was commissioned first lieutenant in the Fortieth 
Infantry, in which capacity he served until the reduction 
of the army took place, at which time he returned to Spring- 
field, where he occupied a clerical position in the U. S. 
Armory from April, 1816, until November 30, 1833 ; from 
which date until 1842 he filled different offices of trust and 
responsibility in the custom house at Boston, among them 
that of deputy naval officer. He was for several years an 
auctioneer. 

In 1802 he married Electa Smith, daughter of Lemuel 
Smith of Buckland, Mass. She died at Cambridge, Mass., 
September 27, 1871, aged 90 years. Captain Clary died 
July 16, 1849, i" the 72d year of his age. Children : five 
sons, seven daughters. 

Commodore Alhert Gallatin Clary, son of Ethan A. 
Clary, was born in Springfield, Mass., August 7, 18 14. He 
entered the naval service of the United States May 8, 
1832, as midshipman; passed midshipman July 8, 1839; 
lieutenant, April 11, 1845; commander, July 16, 1862; 
on retired list, August 7, 1866 ; captain, November 21, 
1866; commodore, April 5, 1874. He is now living at 
Lisbon, Portugal. 

Mr. Erasmus Darwin Clary, son of Ethan A. Clary, 
was born in Ashfield, Mass., December 19, 1803. He 
entered West Point Military Academy in 18 18, but re- 
signed before the completion of his course there. F'or 
many years prior to his death he was clerk in the Quarter- 
master's department, U. S. Army, at Washington, D. C. 
He died in Stockbridge, Mass., July 16, 1854, in his 51st 
year. 

Henry Dearborn Clary, son of Ethan A. Clary, was 
born in Springfield, Mass., December 4. 18 16. In 1835 he 



146 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

was appointed assistant import clerk in the custom house 
at Boston by David Henshavv, collector. In 1840 he took 
the position of foreign import clerk, and in 1853 rose to 
that of foreign entry clerk, which office he held until his 
retirement from the custom house in 1865, having served 
under fifteen different collectors. 

Mr. Clary died in Cambridge, Mass., May 24. 1878, in 
the 62d year of his age. 

Gen. Robert Emmet Clary, son of Ethan A. Clary, 
was born at Ashfield, Mass., March 21, 1805. Cadet at 
West Point Military Academy from July i, 1823. to July i, 
1828; graduated and entered the army, served on frontier 
duty at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., 1829 ; Fort Brady, Mich., 
1829-31 ; exploration of Indian Territory in Wisconsin, 
1831 ; Fort Brady, Mich., 1831-32 ; Black Hawk expedi- 
tion, 1832, but not at seat of war ; Fort Howard, Wis., 
1833-38 ; Detroit, Mich., 1838 ; New York city, 1838-39 ; 
Charleston, S. C, 1839-40: Florida War, 1840-41 ; Platts 
burg, N. Y., constructing barracks, 1841-42 ; Detroit, Mich., 
1842-44; Fort Wilkins, Mich., constructing barracks, 1844 
-45; Buffalo, N. Y., 1845-46; Fort Leavenworth, Kan., 
1846-47; New Orleans, La., 1847, 1849-50-51; Benicia 
depot, Cal., 1851-56; Texas, 1857 ; St. Louis, Mo., 1857- 
60 ; and as chief quartermaster of the Department of Utah. 
He was assigned to the Fifth Infantry while serving on 
the frontier, and assisted in negotiating a treaty with Black 
Hawk, the Indian chief; brevet second lieutenant U. S. 
Infantry, July i, 1828; second lieutenant. Fifth Infantry, 
July I, 1828 ; first lieutenant, April i, 1836 ; assistant quar- 
termaster, July 7, 1838 ; captain Fifth Infantry, April 3, 
1839; vacated line commission, June 18, 1846; major 
quartermaster, May 17, 1861 ; colonel, additional aid-de- 
camp, July 5, 1862 ; major of staff', quartermaster, May 17, 
1 86 1 — September 18, i860, to August 4, 1861 ; served during 
the War of the Rebellion, 1861-66; as chief quartermaster 
of the Department of West Virginia, November, 1861, to 



ANn MANSION'S OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 47 

July, 1862 ; of the army of Virginia, July to October, i 862 : 
and of the Department of the Northwest, October, 1S62, to 
March 20, 1863; as assistant in the Quartermaster Gen- 
eral's office at Washington, D. C, March 20, 1863, to 
August 24, 1864; in charge of the Memphis depot, Tenn., 
September. 1864, to July 14, 1866 ; as chief quartermaster 
Department of Tennessee, March 27 to July 14, 1866;* 
lieutenant colonel deputy quartermaster general, April 15, 
1864; brevet colonel and brevet brigadier general, March 
13, 1865; for faithful and meritorious service during the 
war ; mustered out as colonel, additional aid-de-camp. May 
31, 1866 : colonel, assistant quartermaster general, July 29, 
1866; retired February 22, 1869, when he returned to 
Springfield, and bought the house now occupied by Miss 
Porter's school and resided there five years. He afterwards 
moved to Washington, D. C, making his home with his 
daughter, Mrs. Albert Ray, where he died January 19, 
1890, in the 85th year of his age. 

General Clary's first wife was Miss Esther Phillipson of 
St. Louis, Mo. They were married March 31, 1829. Five 
children were born to them. A daughter married General 
Stone, known as '" Stone Pasha "' for his service in P^gypt. 
A son, Robert, was a captain in the army, and died during 
the War of the Rebellion. 

General Clary's second wife was a Miss Eaton of Boston. 



Cai't. Charles Colton, a soldier of the Revolution, 
was born March 9. 1725. 

Previous to the war he kept a tavern in the house (built 
about the year 1765) which stood a short distance east of 
the Second Baptist Church on State street, and afterwards 
was owned and occupied by Jonathan D wight, Jr. Tradi- 
tion says : " It was a place of resort for certain of the fast 
young men of those days who gathered there to indulge in 

* While in charge of the Memphis military depot he was presented with an expensive 
silver service by the Unionists for his valuable services in protecting their property. 



148 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

card parties and gander suppers; one evening their wives 
came, and were seated at the supper table before they mis- 
trusted their presence, and the consternation of the men at 
the disclosure was fully equaled by the triumphant mani- 
festations of the women." 

October 31, 1748, he married Alercy Sikes. She was 
born October 31, 1728 ; died September 7, 1823, aged 95 
years nearly. Captain Colton died March 10, 1809, aged 
84 years. Children : four sons, four daughters. 



Col. George Colton, merchant, land surveyor, etc., 
was born in 1793. He made a survey and published a map 
of Springfield in 1827. He was a collector of taxes in 1825, 
for which service he was paid $88 ; a selectman in 1824-25 
-26-27-28-29-30; county treasurer three years, 1835 to 
1838 ; pension agent, and for many years the only auction- 
eer in the town. 

He was commissioned ensign May 14, 1814, First Regi- 
ment, First Brigade, Fourth Division, Massachusetts Vol- 
unteer Militia ; lieutenant, June 12, 1815 ; captain, April 
16, 1816; major, April 28, 1819; lieutenant colonel, 
August 15, 1822; discharged March 28, 1825. 

Colonel Colton was a director in the Springfield Mutual 
Fire Assurance Company from October i, 1827, to Octo- 
ber I, 1838, and its president from October 5, 1829, to 
March 9, 1838 ; and one of the first fifteen trustees of the 
Springfield Institution for Savings upon its organization in 
1827. He was a prominent member of the Unitarian 
society, and on the committee of its affairs in 1825-26-27, 
and deacon for several years. 

Colonel Colton died September 5, 1839, aged 46 years. 
Lucretia, his wife, died January 10, 1879, aged 82 years. 
Children : John Colton, who died several years ago, George 
Colton, a druggist in Boston, and Mrs. Joseph C. Parsons 
of Holyoke, Mass. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I49 

Mr. Dennis Cook was born in Haddam, Conn., August 
29, 1794. He came to Springfield about the year 1823. from 
Berlin, Conn., and in connection with his brother-in-law, 
Philip Wilcox, started a tinware and stove store on the 
" Hill," under the firm name of Cook & Wilcox, and after- 
wards went down on State street, and opened a shop in a 
small building which stood near the east line of land of the 
Church of the Unity, and in front of the Springfield brewery, 
which stood where the church now is. March 6, 1826, 
they dissolved partnership, when Mr. Cook moved back on 
the " Hill " and about the year 1838, he again moved to 
State street in the block recently torn down (January, 1893,) 
where he remained until he retired from active business. 
Mr. Cook was a zealous member of the Methodist society, 
and a strong Anti-slavery man with marked and decided 
opinions. 

January 28, 1819, he married Sophronia Wilcox of Berlin, 
Conn. She was born October 23, 1796 ; died January i, 
1864, aged 68 years. Mr. Cook died December 15, 1853, 
aged 59 years. Children : five sons, two daughters. 

Mr. Jonas Coolidge was born in Watertown, Mass., 
July 18, 1772, from whence in January, 1796, he came to 
Springfield and purchased the business of Justin Bliss, who 
was a manufacturer of hats. He had as an apprentice the 
late Harvey Sanderson, who was in a few years admitted 
as a partner under the firm name of Coolidge & Sanderson. 
As appeared in the I\cpublica)i : — 

"The subscribers inform their friends and the public in general 
that they have entered into copartnership at the old stand of Jonas 
Coolidge. opposite the Hampden Coffee House, under the firm of Cool- 
idge & Sanderson, where will be kept on hand all kinds of waterproof 
hats of the linest quality, and newest fashion. 

" Jonas Coolidge, 
" Harvey Sanderson. 
" N. B. All persons indebted to the subscriber are requested to 

call and settle the same immediately. 

! '-Jonas Coolidge. 

"Springfield, Dec. 22, 1824." 



150 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Their Shop was on Main street where the old Republican 
granite block stands. 

Mr. Coolidge was one of the selectmen of the town from 
1 814 to i(S20, and a representative to the Legislature in 
I.S32-33. In 1 8 19 he subscribed one hundred dollars to 
the fund for the purchase of land now Court Square. In 
May, 1 81 7, he and his wit'e were admitted members of the 
First Church, Rev. Dr. Osgood. 

June 3, 181 1, he married Lois Harris, daughter of 
Daniel Harris. She was born December 11, 1777, and 
died in Hartford, Conn., July 3, 1850, aged 72 years. Mr. 
Coolidge died in Hartford, Conn., October 17, 1854, aged 
82 years. Children: Nancy Harris, married Ellery Hills 
of Hartford, Conn.; she died April 13, 1888, aged nearly 
jG years, Elizabeth died March i, 1878, in her 65th year, 
and Martha Dean died in infancy. 

A relative writes of Mr. Coolidge : — 

" He was a man of great intellectual and strong argumentative 
ability, a great reader. He could not have been popular as he was a 
violent abolitionist, and his home one of the stations on the under- 
ground railway. He faced opposition and difficulties with great endur- 
ance. As a mercliant he amassed enough to live in comfort in his 
declining days." 



Mr. Chauncev L. Covell, son of Philip Covell, a 
farmer, was born in Walden, Vt., December 22, 18 10. In 
1823, when twelve years old, he went to Hartford, Conn,, 
and entered a drug store. Having learned the business, in 
time he bought out his employer, and soon after formed a 
partnership with A. L. McNary. About the year 1847 he 
came to Springfield and engaged in the same business, buy- 
ing out the store of the late Joseph C. Parsons, opposite 
Court Square. In a few years he sold out his business, and 
in 1857 engaged in the lumber business on Liberty street, 
which he continued until 1S64. He then sold out to the 
late J. G. Chase, who carried on a planing mill at the same 
place. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I5I 

Mr. Covell was president and manager of the old Spring- 
field Aqueduct Company before it was sold to the city ; a 
director and the president of the Chester Paper Company 
at Huntington, Mass., from its organization in 1877; a 
director in the Massasoit Paper Company, Holyoke, Mass., 
and at one time its president ; a stockholder in the Carew 
Manufacturing Company, South Hadley P^alls, Mass. ; he 
was a director in the Springfield P^ire and Marine Insur- 
ance Company from April, 1870, until his death in 1887; 
also was a director in the Third National Bank of Spring- 
field from 1877 to 1887. 

He was a member of the Common Council from Ward 
one, 1856-57, and an alderman from the same ward in 1859. 
He was one of the overseers of the poor from 1877 ^o 1883, 
and was much interested in the City Hospital and was 
liberal towards its erection and support. 

Mr. Covell was a citizen of sterling worth and of un- 
blemished character. He first married Hannah T. Carew, 
daughter of Capt. Joseph and Laura (Bugbee) Carew. She 
was born in 1819, and died August 15, 1862, aged 42 years. 
Of their six children two daughters only are now living. 

He married for a second wife Susan E. Downing. They 
were admitted members of First Congregational Church 
from the Memorial Church in January, 1879. 

In 1870 Mr. Covell built the house on Liberty street in 
which he lived until his death, November 22, 1887, at the 
age of jG years and 11 months. 

James Wakham Crooks, Es()., was born in Blandford, 
Mass., August 23, 1793 ; graduated at Yale College in 18 18. 
P"or some years was a teacher in Westfield Academy, also 
taught school in the old academy on Elm street, Spring- 
field, which was started in 1S12. 

The following notice appears in the local newspaper: — 

"SPRINGFIELD ACADEMY. 
" The first Summer Quarter at tliis institution will commence on 
Tuesday, the i6th inst. W. CROOKS. 

"May z, 1820." 



152 SKKTCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




" Buckwheat Hall," 224 Walnut street, residence of James W. Crooks, Esc[. 
from 183S to 1854. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



153 




JAMES W. CROOKS. 



154 SKETCHES OF THE OLD TNHAlilTANTS 

Later he added James to his name, and was known as 
James W. Crooks. 1 le was afterwards a student at law 
in the office of Hon. George Bliss, Sr., who lived in the 
house yet standing on Main street opposite the "Old Union 
House." He was admitted to the bar in 1824. He was a 
justice of the peace and a notary public, was a member 
of the school committee in 1830, selectman of the town in 
1836, and county commissioner from 1835 ^'^ i^S^- 

I lis office was on the " Hill," and his residence on 
Walnut street bore the sobriquet of " Buckwheat Hall," 
probably from the fact that a large tract of land (from 
Walnut street opposite his house to Hancock street, and 
Eastern avenue, which now includes Union, Tyler, Ouincy, 
and Monroe streets, and Pendleton avenue), which he 
owned, became a buckwheat field, its snow-white blossoms 
in the summer season having an attractive and pleasing 
efifect. 

On the 4th of July, 1829, the political supporters of 
President Jackson had a dinner at the P^ranklin Hotel, 
corner of Walnut and State streets, which was provided by 
Stephen O. Russell. John Chaffee, paymaster at the Ar- 
mory, presided. Mr. Crooks delivered a patriotic oration, 
and gave as a toast, " John the second, or John with a O, 
and he walked in the ways of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, 
who made Israel to sin." 

Esquire Crooks was secretary of the meeting which was 
held in April, 1842, in respect to the change in the admin- 
istration at the Armory from its management by a civilian 
to that by a military officer. 

It was at his suggestion that the John Hancock Bank 
(organized in 1850) received its name, he being a great 
admirer of that fearless patriot. 1 le was a prominent Mason 
and had reached to a high degree in the order. He was a 
lawyer of prominence and had a large practice, and was an 
influential and recognized leader of the local Democracy. 

August 12, 1849, he married Ann Jeannette Chapin, 
eldest daughter of Col. Harvey and Hannah Chapin. She 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I 55 

was born April 27, 18 12. He died August 5, 1867, at 
nearly the age of 74 years. 



Mr. George Abbott Ckossett was born in l^oston, 
August 16, 1S05, where he learned the trade of a cabinet- 
maker. He came to Springfield in 1834, and engaged in 
the business of cabinetmaking on his own account until 
1845, when he entered the service of the Boston & Albany 
Railroad in the ticket department, — a position which he 
faithfully filled for a period of forty-two years. 

August 16. 1829, he married Elizabeth L.Perkins. She 
died March 21, 1884, aged 71 years. 

July 3, 1836, he was admitted to the First Church, 
Rev. Dr. Osgood, from the First Church of Northampton, 
Mass., and his wife was admitted at the same time, from 
the First Church of Charlestown, Mass. A marked event 
of their lives was the celebration of their golden wedding, 
August 16, 1879. 

Mr. Crossett died May 24, 1887, in the 82d year of his 
age. Children : three sons, four daughters. 

Mr. Nathaniel Cutler, son of Nathaniel and Phebe 
(Carter) Cutler, was born in Burlington, Mass., November 
27, 1803. He moved to Chicopee, Mass., about the year 
1840, and carried on a shoe store there for a few years. 
He was deputy sheriff for many years, and high sherilt 
for three years — 1855-56-57. 

He first married Arathusa l^ollard of Billcrica, Mass. 

His second wife was Almira Mead, daughter ot Levi 
and Lemina Mead. She was born in Chesterfield, N. 11., 
and died in Chicopee, March 30, 1880, aged 65 years, 2 
months, 18 days. 

Mr. Cutler was the eldest of a family of eleven children. 
He died in Chicopee, May 10, 1887, aged 83 years. 5 
months. 



156 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Lieut. John Blake Dale, son of Samuel Dale, was 
born in Springfield, May 5, 181 3. He entered the naval 
service of the United States, was midshipman February 2, 
1829; passed midshipman, July 3, 1835; lieutenant, Feb- 
ruary 25, 1845. He served on the U. S. Brig Porpoise, 
which sailed from Norfolk, Va., August 18, 1838, in the 
exploring expedition under the command of Charles Wilkes, 
U. S. N., Sloop of War ]^iiicenucs. This expedition was 
ordered by an act of Congress, passed May 18, 1836 — 
"for the purpose of exploring and surveying the sea of the 
great Southern Ocean as well as to determine the existence 
of all doubtful islands and shoals, and accurately fix the 
position of those which lie in or near the track of our ves- 
sels interested in the whale fisheries and other commercial 
adventures in that sea." This expedition was performed 
during the years 1838-39-40-41-42. Lieutenant Dale 
served in the U. S. expedition to the river Jordan and the 
Dead Sea under Lieutenant Commanding W. F. Lynch, 
sailing in the U. S. storeship Supply from New York on 
Friday, November 26, 1847. 

He married, June 10, 1840, Jane Ann Hutchins Hale, 
daughter of William Hale of Boston. She died February 
16, 1849, aged 28 years. 

Lieutenant Dale died at Bhamdun, a village near Beirut, 
Syria, July 24, 1848, aged 35 years, 2 months, 19 days. 
Children : two sons, now deceased. 

Lieutenant Lynch, in his narrative of the expedition, 
gives this account of his sickness and death : — 

"On the 29th of June, [1848] when on their return home he was 
attacked with the disease of that country. On the 30th he was much 
worse. On Monday, July loth, in the hope of being more speedily 
invigorated by the mountain air, he rode to Bhamdun, a village about 
twelve miles distant up the mountain. He arrived thoroughly ex- 
hausted, but was the next day much recruited. On the second day, 
however, a sirocco set in which lasted three days and completely pros- 
trated him. On the 17th I received intelligence that he was very ill 
and immediately hastened up and found him partially delirious. He 
labored under a low, nervous fever. He lingered until the evening of 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 57 

the 24th when he expired so gently that it was difficult to tell the 
moment of dissolution." 

He was buried in the Frank cemetery at Bhamdun in 
the neighborhood of Beirut. His body was laid beneath a 
Pride of India tree. 

Lieutenant Commanding Lynch pays this tribute to 
his worth : — 

" He was an able and accomplished otificer, and by his death the 
profession has been shorn of one of its proudest ornaments. His wife 

has since followed him to the grave but in his name he 

has left a rich inheritance to his children." 

Rev. Dr. Young of Boston, in whose church Lieutenant 
Dale and his family were worshipers, made the following 
merited remarks in a sermon upon the occasion of his 
death : — 

'■ He sleeps on the slopes of Mount Lebanon, on the borders of 
that beautiful Mediterranean which he had long wished to visit, on the 
confines of that Holy Land which he had traversed and surveyed with 
the eye of an artist and with the reverence of a Christian. He had 
gone thither, in his ofticial capacity, to survey the shores, and take the 
measurements and sound the depths of that mysterious sea, which 
covers the doomed cities of the plain and in whose salt and bitter 
waters no living thing is found. The experience and practical skill 
which he had acquired in the exploring expedition, the splendid 
history of which is illustrated by drawings and sketches from his 
pencil, and his long career of active service in the coast survey, 
admirably qualified him for this novel and difficult enterprise, and 
pointed him out at once to the projector and commander of the expedi- 
tion as the person of all others in the naval service most competent to 
accomplish the work in a manner creditable to the scientific character 
of our country. On the part of Lieutenant Dale the work was a labor 
of love, in which not only his mind was enthusiastically interested but 
his heart was deeply engaged. In fact the undertaking from its scrip- 
tural associations wore something of the appearance of a sacred, a 
religious enterprise. 

" For this work, though often before attempted and commenced, 
had never been successfully completed. It was reserved for Lieuten- 
ant Dale and his enterprising associates to accomplish this work, and 
to do it thoroughly, accurately, scientifically. On the 8th of April 
[1848] they launched their two metallic boats, one of copper and one of 



158 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

iron, upon the Sea of Galilee — the scene of so many of our Saviour's 
instructions and miracles — descended the winding and impetuous 
current of the Jordan, and at the end of eleven days entered the dense 
and ponderous waters of the Dead Sea. They circumnavigated it, 
measured its length and its breadth in various places, took the altitude 
of the mountains which encompass it, and fathomed its recesses to the 
depth of thirteen hundred feet. His skillful pencil delineated the 
remarkable scenery of its shores and sketched the various objects of a 
scientific character or sacred interest which it was the design of the 
expedition to investigate and explore. He had finished the task 
assigned him; and, whatever maybe the merits and claims of others, 
there can be no doubt that the successful accomplishment of the work 
is to be attributed in no small degree to the science and talent and 
practical skill of our lamented friend and fellow-worshiper. 

" Having finished his work he had started on his return to his 
native land, to the city of his adoption, to his happy home, to the 
church where he loved to worship. In the last letter that he wrote 
home, he mentioned that he should bring with him a sealed flask of the 
waters of the Jordan for his friend and minister. Alas ! It was other- 
wise ordered by infinite wisdom. Instead of baptizing this day the 
infants of the church in the waters of that sacred stream in which Jesus 
was baptized I am called to the sad ottice of rendering my feeble but 
heartfelt tribute of respect and affection to his memory. 

" He is gone — that brave, generous, noble-minded, true-hearted man 
is gone — that man of lofty principle, of unsullied honor, of unblemished 
character — that man of the gentlest disposition, the sweetest temper, 
the most affectionate heart. We bless God that he died as he lived 
in the service of his country, which he loved with the ardor of a patriot, 
and whose character he wished to elevate in the world's esteem, not by 
the vulgar glare of bloody victories by land or sea. but by the higher 
and nobler concjuests of science." 

Mr. Samuel Dale, son of Thomas Dale, Sr., was 
born in Springfield, July 16, i/^S/. He was a skillful 
mechanic and was employed at the U. S. Armory for over 
forty years. He made all of the inspectors' stamps, eagles, 
and other fine work. In 181 1 hemarried Elizabeth Lincoln 
of Marlboro, Vt. She was born May 29, 1789, and died in 
Stafford, Conn., January, 1865, aged 76 years. 

Mr. Dale died March 29, 1843, aged 55 years, 8 months, 
13 days. Children: three sons, five daughters ; now living 
(1893), one son, two daughters. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPKINGFIELI). 159 

'Mr. Thomas Dale, Sr., born in Sheffiekl, I':nglancl, 
was a cutler by trade. He was drafted into the British 
army and was with General Burgoyne when he surrendered 
to General Gates at Saratoga, October 17, 1777. On his 
way to Boston as a prisoner of war with the troops he was 
given his choice, to return to England or remain in this 
country. He chose the latter, and stopped in Springfield, 
and upon the establishment of the U. S. Armory in 1794 
he was one of the first men to be employed there. 

By his first wife, Abigail, he had two sons, Thomas Dale, 
Jr., who was killed while returning from a Masonic meeting 
in West Springfield, by falling from a stringer of the bridge 
across the Connecticut river December 27, i<Si4, in the 
30th year of his age. The other son was Samuel Dale, 
the father of Samuel Dale of the l^oston & Albany Rail- 
road. 

The second wife of Thomas Dale, Sr., was the widow of 
Lewis Briggs. By this marriage a son, Richard L., was 
born, who moved to Ohio many years ago. 

Thomas Dale, Sr., died October 14, 1S43, aged 92 years. 

Bkxjamin Dav, Esq., son of Heman and Lois Day, was 
born in West Springfield, Mass., November 9, 1790. He 
entered Yale College and graduated in the class of 1812; 
studied for the jDrofession of the law and was admitted to 
the bar in 1815, but engaged in its practice only a short 
time. He was the third cashier of the Old Springfield 
Bank now the Second National, serving until 1823, and its 
president from 1849 to 1856. He went to Geneva, N. Y , 
in 1824, where he was cashier of a bank for three years. 
On his return to Springfield he became a member of the 
firm of Day, Brewer & Dwight (James Brewer and James 
Scutt Dwight), whose store was on the corner of State and 
Main streets where the Savings Bank block stands. He 
afterwards engaged in the dry goods business with Daniel 
W. Willard, under the firm name of Day & Willard, on 
State street, in the block recently torn down (January, 



l6o SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

1893), next to the new IVIasonic building. In 1830 he was 
town surveyor, and in 1831 one of the overseers of the 
poor. From 1833 to 1834 he was agent of the Chicopee 
Manufacturing Company at Chicopee Falls, Mass. Mr. 
Day was one of the first fifteen trustees of the Springfield 
Institution for Savings, which was incorporated in 1827. 
In 1834 he was a member of the House of Representatives. 
He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assur- 
ance Company from October 22, 1849, to October 6, 1851 ; 
director and president of the Old Springiield (Toll) Bridge 
Company ; treasurer of the Holyoke Water Power Com- 
pany from March 24, 1859, to June 9, 1869. Mr. Day was 
at one time a broker in Wall street, New York. 

In December, 1820, he married Frances Dwight, daugh- 
ter of James Scutt Dwight. She was born October i, 1796, 
and died December 23, 1872, aged ^6 years. 

Mr. Day died May 13, 1872, aged 82 years. Children : 
one son, three daughters. 

Mr. Samuel S. Day was born at Blandford, Mass., 
and came to Springfield about the year 1840. In 1843, he, 
with Albert Morgan, under the firm of Morgan & Day, 
opened the American House, which stood on the lot in the 
rear of the Boston & Albany Railroad granite building. 

In a few years Mr. Day retired from the hotel business, 
and engaged in the grocery trade with Andrew Hunting- 
ton, under the firm of Huntington, Day & Company. In 
1853, and afterwards, H. F. Downing became a member of 
the firm under the name of Day & Downing. Mr. Day 
was president, and a director in the Massasoit Insurance 
Company from its organization until 1861, when, owing to 
ill health, he resigned the office. Upon the organization of 
the city in 1852, he was the first alderman elected from 
Ward one, and was re-elected in 1856-57-58 from the same 
ward. He was a member of the Common Council in 1854, 
and was chosen its president. He was a director in the 
old Western Bank (which was located in Cooley's Hotel 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. l6l 

block, corner of Main and Liberty streets), and elected in 
1S52 a director in the Springfield Fire and Marine Insur- 
ance Company. 

While abroad in Europe for the benefit of his health he 
was suddenly seized with a convulsion, after a call from his 
physician, and died within ten minutes, at Vienna, Austria, 
February 16, 1862. Clarissa B., his wife, died December 
I, 1863, aged 52 years. Albert M. Day of Chicago is their 
son. 

Mr. Ocran Dickinson was born at Amherst, Mass., 
July 18, 1793. When about nineteen years of age became 
to Springfield, and commenced work at tjie U. S. Armory, 
where he was emi^loyed for nearly thirty years. In 1843, 
when Major James W. Ripley was put in charge as super- 
intendent, he resigned his position because he was not in 
favor of the change from civil to military government. He 
was for three years engaged in the lumber business near 
the corner of Water and Vernon streets. In 1847 was 
farming in West Springfield, where he remained for about 
sixteen years, after which time returned to Springfield. 
He and Amelia, his wife, were admitted members of the 
First Church, Rev. Dr. Osgood, July, 1S35. When Col. 
Solomon Warriner was the leader, Mr. Dickinson was 
prominent in the choir, which often contained one hundred 
members. He was a prominent Mason, belonging to all 
the Masonic bodies in the city but one. He took his 
degrees in the Hampden lodge in 1818, which was started 
in 18 17. He was master in 1827, 1846-47-48, 1850, and 
1^55- Joining the Morning Star chapter, he held offices 
in that body for twenty-two years, eleven of them being 
high priest. He was the first Knight Templar created in 
Springfield, joining- the commandery in 1826, the date of 
its organization. He was commander in 1851. He was 
devoted to Masonry and its interests. During the Anti- 
Mason period the excitement ran high ; he took possession 
of the charter of the Hampden lodge, and concealed it for 



l62 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

a number of years lest it should fall into the hands of 
some one who would destroy it. He died April 2, 1883, in 
the 90th year of his age. Children : two sons, one daugh- 
ter. 

Hon. Edmund Dwight, son of Jonathan Dwight, Sr., 
and Margaret (Ashley) Dwight, was born in Springfield, 
November 28, 1780, and graduated at Yale College in 1799. 
He studied law with Fisher Ames of Dedham, Mass., but 
never practiced the profession. He spent two years of 
travel in Europe, from 1802 to 1804, during which time he 
heard the distinguished William Pitt " in some of his 
greatest efforts."- On his return home (1804), he entered 
into business with his father and brothers, under the firm 
of J. & E. Dwight, in their large mercantile operations in 
Springfield. He was a member of the House of Represent- 
atives in 1810-1 1-12-13, and 1815. 

In 1 816 he removed to Boston, where, with James K. 
Mills as a partner, he engaged in large manufacturing 
enterprises. He founded in their interest the village of 
Holyoke in 1847 and, in connection with Thomas M. Per- 
kins and George W. Lyman, obtained from the Legislature 
an act of incorporation under the name of the Hadley P'alls 
Company, with a capital stock of $4,000,000. This com- 
pany bought the entire property and franchise of the " Pro- 
prietors of the Locks and Canals on Connecticut River.'" 
and purchased the fishing rights above, and one thousand, 
one hundred acres of land. He took an active part in the 
construction of the Western Railroad (now Boston & Al- 
bany) from Worcester to Albany, in which he was a direc- 
tor for many years, and in 1849 was elected its president 
for that year. 

His house (James K. Mills & Co., Boston) had for sev- 
eral years the principal direction of cotton mills, machine 
shops, and calico printing works in which some three 
thousand persons were constantly employed. He was a 
presidential elector at large on the Taylor and Fillmore 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 163 

ticket in 1S48: a member of the Senate from Boston in 
1840 and of the House in 1842-43-44-45. He gave 
$10,000 to establish a normal school among us. Chiefly 
through his exertions a state board of education was 
established, consisting of the governor, lieutenant governor, 
and eight other members " whose duties were to collect 
information, devise plans, and make recommendations pro- 
motive of the great object in view." Horace Mann was 
chosen secretary of this board. Mr. Dwight was one of the 
founders of the American Antiquarian Society of Boston. 

Prof. Francis Bowen of Harvard College pays the fol- 
lowing tribute to this eminent citizen, in 1837 : — 

" He is the compeer and the associate of the Eliots, the Appletons, 
the Lawrences, the Perkinses, and other distinguished merchants 
whose liberality, foresight, and public spirit have contributed so largely, 
not only to the material prosperity of New England, but also to her 
high commercial prosperity, both at home and abroad. They extended 
the bounds of her foreign trade, devised and supported her manufac- 
turing establishments, planned and built her railroads, and created or 
endowed her institutions of charity and education." 

Mr. Dwight married, April 19, 1809, Mary Harrison 
Eliot, daughter of Samuel Eliot of Boston and Catharine 
Atkins of Nevvburyport. She was born in Boston, May 15, 
1788, and died in the same city October 12, 1846, aged 58 
years. Hon. Edmund Dwight died suddenly in Boston 
from a pleuritic attack, April i, 1849, i" ^^^ 6c)th year of his 
age. Children : four sons, four daughters. 




Autograph written November 4, 1S33. 

Francis Dwight, Esq., son of James Scutt Dwight 
and Mary (Sanford) Dwight, was born March 14, 1808. 
He graduated at Harvard College in 1827 and soon after 
commenced the study of law, which he finished in 1830. 
He then went abroad, and after a long tour of travel on the 



164 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

continent he returned home, and in 1834 was admitted to 
the bar of Massachusetts, of Michigan in i<S35, and of New 
York state, at Geneva, in 1838, where he tlien resided. 
He was editor and conductor of the District ScJiooI Joiinial 
for the state of New York from 1840 to 1845. 

July 4, 1834, he married Catharine Van Rensselaer 
Scherraerhorn of Geneva, N. Y., daughter of Cornelius 
and Catharine (Van Rensselaer) Schermerhorn. She was 
born in 18 14 and died August 20, 1840, aged 26 years. 
Children : three daughters. He married for a second wife 
Catharine Waters Yates, daughter of John W. and Ann 
(Metcalf) Yates of Albany, N. Y. Children : two daugh- 
ters. He died December 15, 1845, aged 37 years, 9 months. 

Mr. Frederick Dwight, son of Jonathan Dwight, 2d, 
and Sarah (Shepard) Dwight, was born in Springfield, June 
23, 1815. He graduated at Harvard College in 1834, then 
studied law at the Harvard Law School for two years, 
1835-36, under Prof. George Story. He began the study 
of medicine, but never engaged in the practice of it. At 
this time, having ample means, he had a desire for travel, 
and went to California, from thence to Australia, Japan, 
and China, living for some time in the Orient, then passing 
through nearly all the countries of Europe, and returning 
to the United States in 1847. 

A few years after the Black Hawk War (in 1832) Mr. 
Dwight went to the Rock River valley, and being pleased 
with the country purchased a tract of land in Prophetstown, 
111., and built thereon a commodious two-story dwelling and 
an extensive barn, which in those days was considered an 
expensive outlay. Prophetstown is situated on a high 
bluff on Rock river, and is about 140 miles west of Chicago, 
and about fifteen miles from Albany on the Mississippi 
river. In the spring of 1841 the writer made the journey 
to Mr. Dwight's place. The time occupied was four weeks 
from Springfield, on foot to Albany, by canal to Buffalo, 
by steamboat on the lakes to Chicago, and by team to 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 165 

Prophetstown. Mr. Dvvight was one of the few survivors 
of a terrible explosion of the Steamboat Moselle on the 
Ohio river near Cincinnati in April, 1838. He escaped 
unharmed. 

Mr. Dwight was a member of Fremont's second expe- 
dition, which set out to cross the Rocky mountains, May 
29, 1843. The party numbered thirty-six white men, one 
colored man, and two Delaware Indians. They traveled 
3,500 miles in eight months, the journey being accomplished 
through much privation, danger, and suffering. During 
the expedition, no word had come back to the East from 
them, and doubts were entertained of their safe return. 
After many years' absence from his native town he re- 
turned home, and in 1853 bought a farm in Agavvam on 
the bluff overlooking the Agawam river, where he spent 
the remainder of his life in a quiet and retired manner. 

On the 13th of April, 1854, he married Joanna Theresa 
Durham of Middletown, Cork county, Ireland, daughter of 
William and Anastalia Durham. She died in Agawam, 
Mass., April 10, 1884, aged 49 years. Children: seven 
sons and two daughters. 

"The Durhams," said Mr. Dwight, " are soldiers, me- 
chanics, and scholars."' Mr. Dwight died February 25, 
1889, aged 73 years, 8 months. 

It is related that when he wanted to take his European 
trip, he asked his father for money to meet the necessar}- 
expense, which request the old gentleman declined. Fred- 
erick then said, " Why, father, I am independent. "Yes," 
said his father, "so am I." He however went, and when he 
was in need he drew upon his father, who paid the drafts 
when presented. 

Hon. George Dwight, son of James Scutt and Mary 
(Sanford) Dwight, was born May 25, 1812. At the age 
of nineteen he succeeded his brother James Sanford Dwight 
(who died at Florence, Italy, in 1831), and was engaged in 
business in the old brick store, which his father, James 



1 66 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




GEORGE I) WIGHT 



AND MANSIONS OF SI'RINGFIELD. 



167 




MRS. GEOKGK DWIGHT, 
nee Mary SkirNER Foot. 



l68 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Scutt Dwight, successfully carried on for thirty years, and 
which stood on the corner of Main and State streets, where 
the Institution for Savings block now is. Homer Foot, 
who had been a clerk in the Dwight store, became a part- 
ner, the firm being Homer Foot & Co. 

George Dwight was elected a member of the House in 
the Legislature of 1846, and a member of the Senate in 
1853 and 1863. He was one of the persons chosen by the 
town of Springfield in 1852 to make application for a city 
charter, which was granted, and on the 25th of May, 1852, 
the town became a city. In 1869 he was elected an alder- 
man from Ward two. He was a stockholder and a director 
in the Springfield Gas Light Company from April, 1848. to 
January, 1882 ; was treasurer from April, 1848, to July, 1861, 
and superintendent from November, 1863, until January, 
1882. He was foreman of the Niagara Fire Engine Com- 
])any until 1846. In 1856 he was elected chief of the fire 
department and held the position four years, and was elected 
again in 1865. He organized the Fireman's Relief Asso- 
ciation in 1857, and was its president until 1878. He 
arranged the first fireman's muster ever held in the city. 
Mr Dwight took great interest in and devoted much time 
to perfecting the fire department. 

Retiring from the firm of Homer P'oot & Co. in 1854, 
Mr. Dwight formed a partnership with Henry A. Chapin 
and Nathaniel Treadwell, under the firm name of Chapin, 
Treadwell & Co. (which continued until 1857), for the sale 
of gas fixtures and supplies, and for the construction of 
gas works, of which they built the works at Milford and at 
Beverly, Mass., and at Norwich, Conn. 

In 1835 the Springfield Light Infantry was organized. 
Mr. Dwight was chosen lieutenant First Brigade, Fourth 
Division, Mass. Volunteer Militia, commissioned July 9, 
1836; same year was elected captain, commissioned Sep- 
tember 24, 1836; discharged April 20, 1838. He was 
superintendent of the U. S. Armory from April 23 to 
August 20, 1 86 1, being superseded by Capt. A. B. Dyer, 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 169 

U. S. Army, by an act of Congress the government of the 
Armory having been changed from civil to military rule. 
He remained as assistant superintendent from September, 
1 86 1, until March 9, i<S62. 

Mr. Dwight was an earnest Unitarian, a member of the 
church, and for twenty-one years a member of the parish 
committee. He was one of the building committee for the 
erection of the Church of the Unity, toward which he gave 
much time, and aid financially. " He was a man of unques- 
tioned integrity, and filled all positions to which he was 
called to serve with strict fidelity. 

October 2, 1833, he married Mary Skinner Foot, daugh- 
ter of Adonijah Foot of Springfield. She was born July 
16, 1812, and died November i, 1886, in the 75th year of 
of her age. 

Mr. Dwight died January 30, 1882, in the 70th year of 
his age. Children: two sons, one daughter; now living 
(1893), Mrs. William S. Shurtleff, and George Dwight, Jr. 

Capt. Henry Dwight, son of Henry Dwight and 
Lydia (Day) Dwight, was born October 5, 1796. Early in 
life he followed the sea, and afterwards he engaged in 
mercantile business. In 182S, he married Lucy Ann 
Bradford, daughter of Hon. Alden Bradford of Boston 
(who was secretary of the commonwealth from 1812 to 
1S24) and Margaret Stevenson. She was born September 
14, 1800. He resided for some time in Charlestown, Mass. 

In 1829 became to Springfield and opened a grocery 
store under the old Town Hall, corner of State and Market 
streets. He was at one time interested in a distillery 
which was located at the south part of the town, on land 
now owned by the heirs of R. M. Cooley. In 183 1 he 
formed a copartnership with Asa Flagg, under the firm 
name of Flagg & Dwight, and engaged in the meat and 
provision business. Not being successful in this, he retired, 
and went to New Bedford, where, by the aid of family con- 
nections, he bought an interest in a whaling vessel, and 



I/O SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

sailed in it as master. After an absence of about two years 
he made the homeward voyage, with a fair cargo of oil and 
whalebone. 

He died in West Springfield, May 24, 1848, in his 52d 
year. His mother was Lydia Day of West Springfield, 
where she was born November 1, 1759, and died May 15, 
1853, in the 94th year of her age. 



Autograph written September 26, 1S15. 

Mh. Ja.mes Sanford Dwight, son of James Scutt and 
Mary (Sanford) Dwight, was born December lo, 1799. He 
entered Harvard College, where he remained two years, 
and then retired from his studies on account of poor health. 
He afterwards entered into and succeeded to his father's 
large and lucrative business (firm being James Scutt 
Dwight & I'^dmund Dwight), with branches at several towns 
as follows : Josiah D. Whitney, clerk at Northampton ; 
Robert Whitney, at Westfield ; James Brewer, at Enfield, 
Conn.; Josiah Bardwell, at South Hadley Falls; Lyman 
Kendall, at Greenfield ; and William Wade, at Chester, 
Mass. ; and a store at Belchertown. These branch stores 
were managed by young men who had been clerks in the 
Dwight store at the corner of Main and State streets. 
The business was started by Josiah Dwight, afterwards con- 
tinued by Josiah & Jonathan Dwight, Jonathan Dwight & 
Son, 1803, Jonathan & Edmund Dwight, and James Scutt 
Dwight & Edmund Dwight. They filled their stores with 
goods of their own importations, and kept a line of sloops 
and boats plying between Springfield, Hartford, and New 
York, and were members of the John Cooley & Co. Trans- 
portation Line to 1 lartford. They were interested in bank- 
ing business in Springfield, Greenfield, Geneva, N. Y., 
Cleveland, O., and Detroit, Mich. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 171 

James Sanford Dwight was agent for James Bloodgood 
and Company's Nursery, at Flushing, L. I. He went abroad 
in the latter part of 1830, for pleasure, and while at 
Florence, Italy, he was seized with malarious fever and died 
February 24, 1831, at the early age of 31 years. lie was 
a man of genial nature and fine abilities. 

September 30, 1823, he married Elizabeth Lee, daughter 
of Benjamin Lee, of Taunton, Eng. She was born in 
Lancaster, Mass., August 16, i8oi,and died at Springfield, 
suddenly of apoplexy, January 9, 1865, aged 6^ years. 
Children : three daughters. 



Autograph written September 2f), 1S15. 

James Scutt Dwight, Eso., an eminent merchant, son 
of Jonathan Dwight and Margaret (Ashley) Dwight, was 
born July 5, 1769. He was collector of taxes in 1815, for 
which service he was paid $100. He was spoken of as " the 
poor man's friend. Few men were more extensively 
known and respected in business and enterprise than Mr. 
Dwight." 

He married, in 1794, Mary Sanford, daughter of Capt. 
Thomas Sanford of Portland, Me. She was born July 7, 
1774, and died December 7, 1844, aged 70 years. Mr. 
Dwight died suddenly March 18, 1822, aged 52 years. Chil- 
dren : three sons, nine daughters. 

John Worthixgton Dwight, Eso., son of Col, Thomas 
and Hannah (Worthington) Dwight, was born October 31, 
1793. He entered Yale College, and graduated in 1812. 
He was a man of generous nature and pleasing social qual- 
ities. He died February 12, 1836, in his 43d year, unmar- 
ried. 



172 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




The home of James Scutt D wight, State street, corner of Dwight street. He 
died in 1822. The widow resided there for several years, then it came into the 
possession of Henry Sterns, who sold the ]5roperty to Mrs. Samuel Kingsbury ; 
after her death William W. Lee bought it and lived there. Elani Stockbricige 
and William II. Parsons were the next owners ; they sold it to James E. Russell, 
and afterwards Kibbe l^rothers & Co. bought it. In May, 1S34, Colonel Homer 
Foot and the late William W. Orne were married in this house by the Rev. Dr. 
Peabody, the former to Miss Delia, and the latter to Miss Lucy Dwight, daughters 
of James Scutt Dwight. The part of the house projecting as seen on the right of 
the picture was built by William B. Calhoun, Esq., and used for his law office, he 
having married Margaret, daughter of Mrs. Kingsburv, with whom he boarded. 
Soon after coming to Springfield in 1842, the late Colonel James M. Thompson 
and wife boarded with Mrs. Kingsbury. 



AND MANSIONS OF SFRIXOFIELO. 



^7?> 




fames Scutt Dwight's residence as it now appears, 1893. 



174 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




JAMES SCUTT DWIGHT. 



From a painting by Chester Harding. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



•75 




MRS. JAMES SCUIT DWIGHT, 

nee Marv Sanfokd. 



From a painting by Chester Harding, 1S42 



J 76 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Hon. Jonathan Dwight, Sr., son of Capt. Edmund 
Dvvight and Elizabeth (Scutt) Dwight, was born in Boston, 
June i6, 1743. At the age often years he came to Spring- 
field, and early entered into business with his cousin. Col. 
Josiah Dwight, first as clerk and then a partner, having a 
store on the corner of Main and State streets, where the 
Institution for Savings block stands. In a few years his son 
James S. was admitted a partner in the business. They 
carried on an extensive trade, having branch stores at 
Northampton, Greenfield, Westfield, South Hadley Ealls, 
Chester, Belchertown, and Enfield, Conn. . 

He took great interest in the formation of the Unitarian 
society and built the church edifice at the cost of $20.coo, 
which stood where Kirkham & Olmsted's block now stands, 
and was burned down on the night of October 12, 1873. 

The following is the inscription on a plate placed under- 
neath the corner stone at the time it was built : — 

"May 20, MDCCCXIX, 
" This corner stone was laid, it being the foundation of a house to 
be erected the same year (Mr. Simon Sanborn being the architect), at 
the expense of Jonathan Dwight, Esq., of this town, and by him given 
to the Second Congregational Society in the first parish of Springfield 
in humble hope and expectation that it may long continue a place con- 
secrated to the public worship of the true God : and that the Society 
will, from time to time, make choice of such pious and prudent men for 
their ministers, as will not perplex their people with unprofitable spec- 
ulations of men, but preach and exemplify the plain, practical doctrines 
and precepts contained in the Gospel of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ." 

He was " almost the last representative of the silk stock- 
ings, short breeches, and silver shoe-buckle gentry, of small 
stature, active habits, and a great smoker, lighting his pipe 
in summer with a burning glass, and often crossing the 
street (from his house to the store) in such a cloud of 
smoke as hardly to be discerned." He was a man of correct 
judgment and firm resolution. He married October 29, 
1766, Margaret Ashley, of Westfield, daughter of Dr. Israel 
and Margaret (Moseley) Ashley. She was born September 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



177 




No. 53 State street was the home of Jonathan Dwiyht, Sr. It foinieiiy stood 
where W. F. Adams Company's store now is, and fronted on Main street, and was 
moved to its present location about 1S40. For several years previous to 1845 it 
was occu]3ied by Chester W. Chapin. 



F78 SKETCH KS OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




lOXATIIAN DWIGHT, Sk. 



AND MANSIONS OF Sl'KINGFIELD. 17c) 

3, 1745, and died February 8, 1789, aged 43 years, 5 
months. 

On the 29th of March, 1790, he married, for a second 
wife, Margaret Van Veghten Vanderspiegel of New Haven, 
Conn., who died July 25, 1795, aged 42 years. October 13, 
1796, he married, for a third wife, Hannah Buckminstcr, of 
Brookfield, Mass. She died May 26, 1824, aged 79 years. 
Their children : five sons, three daughters. 

He died September 5, 1831, aged 88 years, 2 months, 19 
days. 

Hon. Jo.xATiiAN Dwight, 2d, son of Jonathan and Mar- 
garet (Ashley) Dwight, was born at Springfield, Mass., 
December 28, 1772. He entered Harvard College, and 
graduated in 1793, read law with Hon. George Hliss (known 
as Master George, the ablest lawyer in the town). Mr. 
Dwight, though admitted to the bar, did not follow the pro- 
fession of law, but engaged in mercantile affairs, in which 
he was successful, an able financial manager. In 1793 he 
was chosen tax collector. He was one of the original incor- 
porators of the Old Springfield l^ank, which was organized 
March 24, 1814, and was its president from 1814-1817. 
March 22, 1829, he was chosen president to fill the vacancy 
occasioned by the death of Judge John Hooker. Mr. 
Dwight was elected a member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives in 1805-6, 1808-9, 1816 and 1826; a member of 
the Senate in 181 8-19-20-2 1, and 1827; a member of the 
Constitutional Convention in 1820, and a member of the 
governor's council in 1831. 

He was married January 8, 1798, to Sarah Shepard. 
daughter of Levi Shepard of Northampton, Mass. She 
was born June 23, 1774, and died December 24, 1848, aged 
74 years and 6 months. Mr. Dwight died March 29, 1840, 
in the 68th year of his age. Children : four sons, four 
daughters. 



i8o 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




Mansion of Col. Josiali I)\viglit. After liis death in 176S, it was the home of 
his son, Col. Thomas Dwight, who died in 1S19. At that time it stood fronting 
Main street where Parsons' block now is. Several years ago it was moved back to 
Howard street, now Nos. 8 and 10, and made into a double tenement. The h( use 
was built about the year 1764. 



{u,'ct/i.Jy}ri>/iii--.^ 



Autdj^rapli wrilleii Nov. .|, 1S33. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPKIXGFIELD. l8l 

Mk. Jonathan Dwight, 30, son of Jonathan Dwight, 
2d. and Sarah (Shepard) Dwight, was born August 30, 1799. 
He engaged in mercantile business in l^oston about the 
year 1820, which was continued until 1830. when he 
moved to Springfield and resided in the house, 55 Chestnut 
street, now belonging to the estate of the late George 
Merriam, until 1850, when he removed to Newport, R. I., 
where he died September 28, 1856, at the age of 57 years. 

He married, September 5, 1825, Ann Eartlett, daughter 
of Thomas Bartlett, Esq., of Boston. She was born June 
26, 179S. Children : one son, one daughter. 



^^^^^^-^M^^^yr^/^-^ <^ 



^ 




Autograph written September 26, 18 15. 

Hon. and Col. Thomas Dwight, son of Col. Josiah 
and Sarah (Pynchon) Dwight, was born October 29, 1758. 
He graduated at Harvard College in 1778, studied for the 
profession of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1781. 
He was elected a representative from Springfield in the 
Legislature in 1794-95, and was a member of the Senate 
from 1796 to 1803 and again in 18 13. He was a member 
of Congress from 1803-5, during the presidency of Thomas 
Jefferson. He was a member of Governor Christopher 
Gore's executive council in 180S-9. In 1806-9 and iXii 
he was one of the selectmen of the town. 

April 14, 1 79 1, he married Hannah Worthington, 
daughter of Col. John Worthington and Hannah Hopkins, 
who was daughter of Rev. Samuel Hopkins of West Si)ring- 
field. Mrs. Dwight was born June 17, 1761, died July 10, 
1833, aged 72 years. Col. Dwight was a man of "culture, 
dignified bearing, great elegance of manners, and of gener- 
ous hospitality ; his ample means enabled him to gratity 
his desires." In August, 1792, he and his wife were 
admitted members of the First Church, Rev. Robert Hreck. 



1 82 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Colonel Dwight died January 2, 18 19, in his 6ist year. 
Children : one son, two daughters. 

Hon. William Dwight, son of Jonathan Dwight, 2d, 
and Sarah (Shepard) Dwight, was born in Springfield, 
April 5, 1805. He entered Harvard College, and graduated 
in 1825. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 
1829. From that time until 1848 he took an active part in 
town and public affairs. His voice was often heard at the 
political meetings held in the old Town Hall on State 
street, in the "good old days" of Whigs and Democrats. 
He was often chosen to preside at the town meetings, which 
he did with much dignity and fairness. He was a repre- 
sentative from the town to the Legislature in 1838, 1841, 
and 1848. When the Chicopee Bank (now National) was 
organized, in 1836, he was chosen one of the directors. 
It is related that " he rendered conspicuous service to the 
bank when its affairs were somewhat impaired by the acts 
of its first cashier, who was chosen in 1836 and held the 
office until 1841." About the year 1849 he moved to 
Boston, where he devoted himself with great energy to 
commercial and manufacturing enterprises. He was 
treasurer from 1S48 to 1867 of the Pepperell and Laconia 
Manufacturing Companies located at Biddeford.Me., having 
his office in Boston, and his residence in Brookline, Mass. 

September 16, 1830, he married Eliza Amelia White, 
of Salem, Mass., daughter of the Hon. Daniel Appleton 
White. Of their seven sons, four were soldiers (officers) 
in the War of the Rebellion, none of whom are now living. 
They were noble, fitting representatives of an illustrious 
ancestry of English descent. William Dwight died in 
Brookline, Mass., September 20, 1880, aged 75 years, 5 
months, 15 days. 



Autograph written May 7, 1S62. 




AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 83 

Dr. Elisha Edwards, a prominent merchant of Spring- 
field, son of Capt. Oliver and Rachael (Parsons) Edwards, 
of Northampton, was born in Chesterfield, Mass., January 
26, 1795- When a young man he went to Northampton, 
Mass., as clerk for E. Hunt, to learn the apothecary busi- 
ness. Me came to Springfield about the year 1X15, and 
soon engaged in business, on his own account, and at one 
time was in partnership financially with Henry Sterns from 
about the year 1820 to 1825, and afterwards in 1828, with 
Charles J. Upham, under the firm of C. J. Upham & Co., 
apothecaries, located on the " Hill." He was one of the 
subscribers to the fund for the purchase of the land now 
Court Square. In 1822-23-24 and 1826 he was a member 
of the parish committee of the Unitarian society. Upon 
the organization (in 1836) of the Chicopee Bank, Spring- 
field, now the Chicopee National I^ank, he was chosen one 
of the first nine directors. 

In 1 82 1 he married Eunice Lombard, daughter of 
Daniel and Sylvia (Burt) Lombard. She was born Octo- 
ber 13. 1797, died December 15, 1875, aged y8 years. 
Dr. Edwards died February 7. 1840, aged 45 years. Chil- 
dren : four sons, five daughters. Now living (1893) : Mrs. 
Caroline L. Smith, Springfield ; Mrs. Sophia Orne John- 
son, Bath, N. H. ; Mrs. Charlotte E. Warner, Springfield ; 
William Edwards, a prominent merchant, Cleveland, O, ; 
Mrs. Julia E. Hurd, Dorchester, Mass. ; General Oliver 
Edwards, Warsaw, 111. ; Mrs. Mary E. Child, Cleveland, O. 

Gen. Oliver Edwards was a brave soldier in the War of 
the Rebellion. He entered the service as first lieutenant 
and adjutant loth Massachusetts Regiment, June 21, 1861 : 
mustered in as colonel 37th Massachusetts Regiment, Sep- 
tember 4, 1S62; appointed brigadier general of volunteers 
May 19, 1865. He received the brevet rank of brigadier 
general of volunteers October 19, 1864, for gallant and dis- 
tinguished services in the battle of Spottsylvania Court 
House, Va., and for meritorious conduct in the battle of 
Winchester. Va. ; and major general of volunteers April 5, 



1 84 SKKTCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




DR. ELISHA EDWARDS. 



From a painting by Cliester Harding in 1S40. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



185 




MRS. ELISHA EDWARDS, 
«<V Eu.viCH Lombard. 



From a painting by Chester Harding, about 1833. 



lS6 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

1865, for conspicuous gallantry at the battle of Sailor's 
Creek, Va. He was honorably mustered out of service 
January 15, 1866. 

One of his most devoted friends pays the following 
tribute to the memory of Dr. Edwards : — 

" In the death of Dr. Elisha Edwards, the community has lost one 
of her most esteemed citizens, the town an enterprising and high- 
minded merchant, and his family a most kind and affectionate friend 
and counselor. Few men among us have been more successful in 
business than Doctor Edwards, and very few can be found who possess 
the industry, enterprise, and perseverance with which he was endowed. 
Blessed as he was with aftiuence he used it not for himself alone. The 
generous sympathies of his nature were always alive to the misfortunes 
and the wants of others. His hand was ever open to minister to the 
necessities of the poor and the destitute. Open, frank, and generous, 
no one in distress appealed to him in vain. In his friendship he was 
warm, decided, unwavering; clouds might arise, the winds blow, and 
storms beat, but he was true as the needle to the pole. But he is 
gone ; the home, the garden, and the flowers he once loved and 
cherished remain. ' The flowers will again bloom, but not for him ; ' the 
hand that reared them is laid low, the clods of the valley cover him as 
he rests in his narrow dwelling : but he is gone, and we trust to a 
brighter and better world, where the ■ wicked cease from troubling and 
the weary are at rest.' " 

Mr. John S. Edwards, a soldier of the Revolution, 
was born July 11, 1764, at Dedham, Mass. In 1775. he 
removed to Norwich, Mass., where he was drafted to serve 
in the War of the Revolution, in April, 1781, for six 
months, under Capt. William Forbes, in the regiment 
commanded by Col. Tupper of Chesterfield, Mass. ; marched 
into the interior of New York, where the hostile Indians 
were harassing the settlements, and was stationed for three 
months at Fort Schuyler, then ordered to *Fort Stanwix, 
for another three months, at which place he was discharged. 

After the war he continued to reside at Norwich, and 



* "At what is now Rome, New York, Fort Stanwix was erected about the year 1758, 
repaired in 1776, and the name changed to Fort Schuyler, but it is better known by its former 
name, there being a Fort Schuyler located in the Mokawk valley farther east from Rome, existing 
at that time." 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I cS/ 

Russell, Mass., until about 1798, when he removed to Spring- 
field, and in September, 1833, applied for a pension. At 
his death he was buried with military honors from the 
Universalist Church on the corner of Main and Stockbridge 
streets, now the property of Lawson Sibley. A very 
appropriate address was delivered by the Rev. J.J. Twiss. 
The remains were followed to the grave by the City Guards 
and Horse Guards, which appeared as a battalion (accom- 
panied by a band of music), under the command of the late 
Gen. Horace C. Lee. At the burial, salutes were fired over 
the old soldier's body. 

Mr. Edwards died April 5, 1857, in the 93d year of his 
age. 

Mr. Fra.\'cis Ellioj" was born at Palermo, Italy, Sep- 
tember 29, 1794. He came to the United States when a 
boy, and was for many years the only barber and hairdresser 
in Springfield. In 1834, he had as a partner Horatio N. 
Gould, and afterwards Edward F. Moseley. This notice 
appears in the Hampden Federalist. 

"FRANCLS ELLIOT 
" Has just received from Boston a fresh and great variety of Per- 
fumery, which, together with his former supply, makes a very general 
assortment, also Day & Martin's rm/ Japan Blacking. 
" Springfield, July 5, 18:20." 

November 28, 18 15, he married Sarah Moseley, second 
daughter of Nathaniel Moseley, of Springfield. She was 
born July 28, 1799; died March 4, 1845, in her 46th year. 
Children : William and Samuel Elliot, Mrs. Sarah Augusta 
Westgate, and Mrs. Josephine Maria Jenkins. Mr. Elliot 
died at Hartford, Conn., January 19, 1844, aged 48 years. 

Mr. William S. Elwell was born in Brimfield, Mass., 
July 15, 1 8 10. He was son of Benjamin Elwell, who was 
a cabinetmaker. When twenty-one years old he came to 
Springfield, and soon after became a pupil of Chester Hard- 
ing, the eminent artist. Mr. Elwell was gifted with much 



1 88 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

musical talent, and used to play the clarionet in the choir 
at the South Church when located on Bliss street. He was 
a member of the Hampden Mechanics Association. Study- 
ing art with Mr. Harding he became a most excellent and 
noted portrait painter. He painted a fine copy of Stuart's 
Washington for his native town, also another full-size por- 
trait, which hangs in the common council room at the City 
Hall, Springfield. Mr. Elwell was at one time a clerk in 
one of the departments at Washington, D. C, during which 
time his health became much impaired, and he resigned the 
position and returned to Springfield. In 1855 he was 
stricken with paralysis, from which he never recovered, but 
bore his sufferings with patience and Christian fortitude 
until the close of his life. 

December 23, 1834, he married Catharine Brewer, daugh- 
ter of Henry Brewer. She died January 25, 1839, aged 27 
years. For a second wife he married Sybil Bagg. He 
died August 12, 1881, aged 71 years. 

Capt. Robert Emery, son of John Emery and Mar- 
garet (Gookin ) Emery, was born in Newburyport, Mass., 
September 20. 1773. •^'"' his early manhood he followed 
the sea. From 1808 to 181 5 he resided in Salem, Mass. 
He was master of vessels at various times, engaged in the 
East India trade. Retiring early from maritime life, he re- 
moved to Springfield, and about the year 181 5 married for 
a second wife Mary Lyman, daughter of Samuel Lyman, 
Esq. She was born in 1786, died August 8, 1826, aged 40 
years. From her he inherited the estate which she had 
received from her father, which was long after known as 
the "Emery farm," which consisted of about one hundred 
and thirty acres, which is now covered by the Boston & 
Albany Railroad, Lyman, Liberty, Chestnut, Charles, 
Franklin, Cass, and Webster streets, and the adjacent 
lands thereto. 

Captain Emery lived in the house which stood in the 
rear of the Boston & Albany Railroad Company's granite 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 89 

building, and, on the advent of the railroad to the town, the 
property was sold, and the house converted into a hotel, 
which was carried on for many years, and finally the Boston 
& Albany Railroad Company purchased the property and 
the building was sold to D. L. Swan, who moved it on to 
Sharon street, where it now is. In 1824 he was one of the 
selectmen of the town. Captain Emery was known as a 
gentleman farmer. The cultivated portion of his estate 
produced large crops of hay, grain, and fruits, and during 
the summer season pasturage was had for cows, the owners 
of which, on the payment of ten dollars, could turn them in 
for the season. In 1826 he succeeded Dr. Joshua Frost as 
treasurer of the Unitarian society, and served four years. 

He died August 8, 1 841, in the 68th year of his age. 
Children : four sons, one daughter. 

Mr. Nathaniel Ely. — The late Judge Henry Morris 
wrote the following interesting article in regard to Land- 
lord Ely, and "ye house of Entertaynment " : — 

" He was an eailv settler heie, although not of the earliest. The first 
trace of him in Springfield is in 1659, at or about which time he came here 
with his son Samuel, who, in October of that year, was married to Mary, 
daughter of Robert Day. Nathaniel could not have been less than 45 years 
of age when he came to this town. He had l^een previously made a freeman 
in 1635, and of course must have been at least 21 years of age. Whatever 
his previous occupation may have been, it is certain that in 1665 he became 
the keeper of the 'ordinary,' or tavern, a business which he continued to follow 
during the residue of his life. In those days the man who kept the ordinary 
was a personage of very considerable importance. Either from a knowledge 
of his past experience in that line of business, or from some manifest fitness in 
other respects, Ely seems to have been selected for this vocation. The record 
of the county court held at Springfield, September 26, 1665, sets forth his 
license as follows : — 

" Nathaniel Ely of Springfield, being desired & putt upon to keepe ordinary there, or 
house for comon Entertaynment, was by this Corte lycensed to that vvorke, as also for selling 
wines or strong liquors for ye yeere ensueing, Provided he keepe good rule and order in his 
house. Also ye said Nathaniell Ely is upon his desire by this Corte released from Trayning 
in ye Towne soe long as he continues to keepe ye Ordinary. 

"Ely's license as an innholder was renewed from year to year until his 
death in 1675. This shows that his administration of the 'ordinary' was on 
the whole successful. Twice at least he was before the county court charged 
with a violation of his duty as an innkeeper. The first instance was Septem- 



IQO 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 





■r^- irw 



" Nathaniel Ely Tavern," southwest corner of Dwight and Sanford streets, 
built about the year 1660. It was moved about fifty years ago to its jsresent 
location from the site of the " Chandler House" (Main street), formerly the 
"Union House." After it ceased to be an "Ordinary," or house of '' Entertayn- 
ment,"it was used as a private residence for many years, and was at onetime occupied 
by Dr. Joseph Stone, an old-time physician. He died there September 12, 1838, aged 
74 years. During the Revolutionary War it was a noted resort for the officers and 
soldiers of the Continental army. The iiouse is now used as a laundry in part. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I9I 

ber 24, 1667, when, according to the record, 'Nathaniel Elv was complained 
of by the selectmen of Springfield for selling four quarts of cider to Indians 
contrary to law. Being called upon to purge himself by his oath, as provided 
by law, he refused to do it, and was adjudged to pay ^16, or 40s per pint.' 
In consideration of Ely's regard for the sanctity of an oath, or from some 
other motive, the General Court afterward abated this fine one-half. 

" The second instance in which Ely's'conduct as keeper of the ordinary in- 
curred the displeasure of the couiitv court is one of marked ])eculiarity, and 
is significant of the man and of the times. At the county court in Septem- 
ber, 1674, ' the jury presented Nathaniel Ely, the ordinary keeper at Spring- 
field, for not keeping beer constantly in his house according to law, for which 
they testify his own confession. Whereupon he being called into ye Corte, 
sitting in his house, & examined about the case, he did acknowledge the thing ; 
that he of late has kept only Table beere, but could not say it was according 
to law, viz. : after the rate of 4 bushels of good barley malt to ye hhd ; iS: 
further he said he would not be turned out of his way; whereupon ye Corte, 
fyned him 40s for ve use of ve county, all persons also judging this beere farr 
below that rule in ye Law.' How far the action of the court was influenced 
by the circumstance that the defendant's house was the place where the court 
held its session and had its ' entertaynment,' is a question upon which the 
record sheds no further light." 

Mr. Thaddeus Ferry, a soldier of the Revolution, 
was born in Springfield, Mass., January 3, 1761. A farmer. 
In June, 1777, when sixteen years old, he volunteered for 
six months under Capt. Gideon Burt of Longmeadow, 
Mass., as a fifer, and was stationed in Springfield for garri- 
son duty as well as to guard the public property. In May, 
1778, he enlisted as a fifer for eight months, under Capt. 
John Carpenter of Brimfield, Mass., in the regiment com- 
manded by Col. John Ward. He marched to Fishkill, N. Y., 
and joined his regiment at White Plains, N. Y., from which 
he was detailed in scouting parties and also from time to 
time in foraging or in guarding the transfer of provisions 
for the sustenance of the army, from Rye, Neversink, 
Sing Sing, N. Y., Monmouth, N. J., and other places. He 
was one of a portion of General Ni.xon's brigade that was 
ordered to Danbury, Conn., which was an important depot 
of military stores and provisions, where, and at Woodbury, 
Conn., he remained a number of weeks and afterwards 
returned to Peekskill, N. Y., and was discharged. From 
the spring of 1779 he served three months under Capt. 



192 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INH MUTANTS 

John Carpenter as guard to the public property in Spring- 
field, and in August, 1779, he served three months under 
Captain Keepof Monson, Mass.,— in which company Charles 
Ferry was one of the lieutenants — ^joining the regiment com- 
manded by Colonel Chapin, marched to Albany, N. Y., 
and was discharged in a month. Late in the fall of 1779 
he served three months under Capt. John Carpenter as 
guard in Springfield, and experienced the extraordinary 
cold winter of 1779-80, while on duty. In i7<So he volun- 
teered for six months in the regiment commanded by Col. 
Thomas Nixon and was put into the lieutenant colonel's 
company (no captain) and marched to West Point, from 
thence after a time was ordered down the Hudson river to 
King's Ferry, Tappan, Haverstraw, Orangetown, and into 
New Jersey. While at Haverstraw the treason of Arnold 
occurred (September 23, 1780), and the capture of Major 
Andre at Tarrytovvn, N. Y., who was executed* as a spy 
October 2, 1780. Mr. Ferry's service was as a fifer and 
his reputation as such was so high that when Baron Steu- 
ben called for volunteers in a special service, and he had 
volunteered, a field officer of the regiment objected to the 
best fifer in it being taken. In September, 1832, he applied 
for a pension. 

Naomi, his wife, died March 15, 1838. aged 64 years. 
He died January 13, 1847, ^^ the age of 86 years (less 10 
days). On his headstone in the Peabody cemetery at Spring- 
field is the following inscription : — 

" Our aged sire now sleeps in dust, 
And from his grassy tomb 
A warning voice speaks to us, 
Prepare to meet thy doom." 

Dk. Joseph Henshaw Flint, son of Dr. Austin F^lint, 
was born in Leicester, Mass., April 20, 1786. He gradu- 
ated at Harvard College in 1825. He commenced practice 

* Mr. Ferry was prestnt at liis execution. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 193 

at Petersham, Mass., and here married his first wife. Dr. 
Austin Flint of New York is a son by this marriage. In 
a few years he removed to Northampton, Mass., remain- 
ing thereuntil about the year 1837, when he removed to 
Springfield, where he continued the practice of his profes- 
sion until nearly the close of his life, a period of forty years. 
He was one of the original members of the Hampden Dis- 
trict Medical Society and a member of the Massachusetts 
Medical Association. For several years Dr. Bela B. Jones 
was associated with him in the practice of his profession. 
They dissolved partnership February 12, 1841. 

Dr. Flint's second wife was Miss Amelia Dwight of 
Northampton, Mass. Dr. Flint was eminently a i)hysician 
and surgeon of marked ability with an extensive practice 
and the reputation of being the most valued consulting 
physician in this region. He died November 11, 1846, 
aged 60 years. 

Mr. Adonijah F"oot, acting superintendent of the U. S. 
Armory in 1824, was born at Stafford, Conn., October 22, 
1780, coming to Springfield in 1814. In January, 1815, he 
began service at the Armory, where he remained until his 
death. Mr. Foot was a Freemason, an active member of 
the lodge. 

September 20, 1807, he married Clarissa Woodworth, 
daughter of Jesse Woodworth of Montville, Mass. She 
was born at Kozrah, Conn., October 3, 1780, and died Sep- 
tember 30, 1874, aged 94 years. 

Mr. Foot died October 13, 1825, aged 45 years nearly, 
and was buried with Masonic ceremonies. Children : tour 
sons, four daughters. Col. Homer Foot is the only mem- 
ber of his family now living. 

Col. Homer Foot, son of Adonijah Foot and Clarissa 
(Woodworth) Foot, was born July 27, 1810. In 1825, at the 
age of fifteen years, he entered the store of J. & J. Dwight, 
the eminent merchants, as clerk, where he remained until 



194 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




ADONIJAH FOOT. 



AND MAXSIOXS OF SPRINGFIELD. 195 







196 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

1831, when he purchased all the interest of the several 
partners, and soon after took the late George Dvvight into 
partnership, and later, in 1842, John B. Stebbins, who had 
been a clerk since 1839, was admitted as a partner. Owing 
to the increase of their business, necessitating more room, 
Mr. Foot in 1846 bought the Jeremy VVarriner hotel prop- 
erty, which was on the site where Foot's block now stands, 
for $19,000, — the lot fronting on Main street 86 feet, and 
running back 445 feet, — and built the block. In 1847 the 
firm of Homer Foot & Co. moved their business from the 
old stand, corner of Main and State streets, where the Insti- 
tution for Savings block stands, to the new block. 

When the Western Railroad, now the Boston & Albany, 
was started, he subscribed for the stock, also for that of the 
Connecticut River Railroad. He was a stockholder in the 
old car and engine works, which were sold to T. W. Wason 
and others. He was one of the principal promoters of, and 
a stockholder in, the Hampden Watch Company. He, how- 
ever, sold out his interest for a fair sum previous to the 
works being removed to Canton, Ohio. He has been a 
stockholder and a director in the Pynchon Bank from its 
organization in 1853, until the present time. 

When twelve years of age he joined the choir of the 
Unitarian church, which stood where Olmsted & Kirkham's 
block now is, serving thirty-five years continuously. On 
his retirement he was presented with a silver dining set by 
the parishioners of the society for his long and valued 
musical service. 

On the 6th of May, 1834, he was married by Rev. Dr. 
W. B. O. Peabody to Delia Dvvight (born May 19, 1814), 
daughter of James Scutt Dvvight, at the old residence yet 
standing corner of State and Dwight streets. At the same 
time and place Lucy Dwight, another daughter of Mr. 
Dwight, was married to William W. Orne. Mr. Foot after 
his marriage resided at 41 Maple street, having bought 
the property of Simon Sanborn. In 1845 he bought the 
lot at the junction of Maple and Central streets, and built 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I97 

the house in which he now resides, which is known as 
" Fairview." 

Mr. Foot was not inclined to take public office, though 
soon after the town became a city he was elected one of 
the overseers of the poor. In 1856 he was the candidate 
for lieutenant governor on the Whig ticket, but was defeated 
by a small majority. He was chosen lieutenant colonel of 
the Springfield Light Guards, succeeding Col. James M. 
Thompson. Colonel Foot, though at the advanced age of 
S^ years, is still active in business, in which he has been 
engaged for 62 years (since KS31), a remarkable period of 
time. Children : seven sons, three daughters : Edward 
Foot, who died in New York city, July 27, 1885 ; Emerson 
Foot of New York ; Homer Foot, Jr., of Springfield ; 
Cleaveland Foot of New York ; Maria S. Foot of Spring- 
field ; Francis D. Foot of Springfield ; Delia D. Foot of 
Springfield ; James D. Foot of New York ; Laura D. Foot, 
now Mrs. Ware, of Roxbury, Mass. ; Sanford D. Foot of 
New York. 



Capt. Lewis Foster, son of William Foster and 
Deborah White Foster, was born at Tisbury, Martha's 
Vineyard, Mass., November 27, 1764. When a young man 
he moved to Ashfield, Mass., remaining until 18 10, when 
he removed to Springfield. He was married at Ashfield, 
Mass., January i, 1792, to Hannah Porter. She was born 
at Ipswich hamlet, Mass., May 19, 1772. 

On the 7th of September, 1801, he was commissioned 
by Gov. Caleb Strong, lieutenant of a company in the T^ifth 
Regiment of Infantry, Second Brigade, Fourth Division, of 
Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and on the 17th of May, 
1804, he was promoted to be captain. In 181 5, he was 
appointed overseer of the " U. S. upper water works," by 
Colonel Benjamin Prescott, superintendent of the U. S. 
Armory, and remained in that office through his term, and 
was reappointed by Colonel Roswell Lee, and continued 



198 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




LEWIS FOSTER. 



From a painting by William S. Elwell, 1834. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



199 



overseer through his administration and that of Colonel 
John Robb. 

The following is a copy of the original paper (appointing 
Mr. Foster overseer of the U. S. upper water works), now 
in the possession of his son John M. Foster, Springfield :— 

"Superintendent's Office, January 23, 1815. 
"Sir : — I hereby appoint you overseer of the United States upper 
water works. You will keep a diligent eye and see that no waste of 
public property is made ; no work for individual purpose whatever will 
be allowed, and if any should be discovered, you will report it immedi- 
ately to this office. You will shut the shops at sunset, and open tliem 
at sunrise as nearly as possible, and see that no work is done in the 
shops in the mean time. 

"As soon as practicable you will take an account of all the stock cf 
every description in the store and workshops and make a return of 
the same, also the number of workmen employ'd, and what business 
each is performing. 

" Respectfully, 

"B. PRESCOTT, 

Snpd't U. S. Aiviory. 
■' Captain Lewis Foster." 

Mr. Foster died in Springfield, April 5, 1849, ^?,^^ '^A 
years, 4 months, 9 days. His wife died in Springfield, 
May 22, 1852, aged 80 years. Children : seven sons and 
five daughters. 



Mr. William H. Foster. He held several town offices, 
was a deputy sheriff, a representative to the General Court 
in 1828-29-30; a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire 
Assurance Company from October 14, 1830, to November 
5, 1832. He was appointed in 1836 by High SheriflXaleb 
Rice jailer at the county jail, and remained in office until 
the close of 1839. 

He married Mary Goodrich, daughter of Flijah and 
Rachel (Lloyd) Goodrich. About the year 1841 he moved 
to New York city, where he died December i, 1865. Chil- 
dren : two sons, five daughters. 



200 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




^ 



<^ CL^x 



Autograph written October i, 1856. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 20 1 

Mr. Edmund Freeman, son of Elkanah Freeman and 
Mary, his wife, was born at Brewster, Barnstable county, 
Mass., May 20, 1806. He came to Springfield in 1841, and 
was in business near the railroad depot in 1843, in partner- 
ship with John W. Bush* of Mardwick, under the firm of E. 
Freeman & Co. He was one of the directors of the old 
Western Bank incorporated in 1849. During the construc- 
tion (188 miles) of the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad by 
Phelps, Barnes & Mattoon, he was their financial agent. 
He was a representative of the town to the Legislature in 
1845, and was one of the corporators of the Springfield 
Fire and Marine Insurance Company, organized in 1849, 
with a capital of$ 150,000. It now has a capital of $1,500,000. 
Mr. Freeman was the first president of the company, and 
remained in office until 1873, when owing to ill health he 
retired from further service. He was an alderman from 
Ward three in 1856 and 1859. O" the organization of the 
Third National Bank in 1 864 he was elected a member of the 
board of directors. He was a director in the Massachu- 
setts Mutual Life Insurance Company from 1862 to 1878, 
and one of the trustees of the Springfield Cemetery Asso- 
ciation, 

His first wife was Melita Morse. Children by this 
marriage : two sons, three daughters. For a second wife 
he married Laura Carew, daughter of Capt. Joseph and 
Laura (Bugbee) Carew. She was born in 18 14, and died 
May 8, 1866, aged 51 years. There was one daughter by 
this marriage. Mr. Freeman died January 26, 1879, aged 
72 years, 8 months. By his kind and genial nature he en- 
deared himself to a large circle of friends. 

Dr. George Frost was born in Longmeadow, Mass., 
January 12, 1800. He studied for the medical profession 
at Yale College in 1820-21-22, but did not take a degree. 
He graduated at Bowdoin College in 1822. He came to 



Mr. Bush died August i6, 1S43, aged 40 years. 



202 



SKETCHES 01^ THE OLD INHABITANTS 




DR. JOSHUA FROST. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 203 

Springfield in 1823, where he practiced his profession with 
marked ability for more than twenty years. About the 
year 1829 Dr. Charles Chapin was associated with him in 
practice. Dr. Frost was an esteemed physician and greatly 
beloved in the community. 

In 1825 he married Caroline A. Lee, daughter of Col. 
Roswell Lee of the U. S. Army. Children: a son and a 
daughter. Dr. Frost died July 29, 1846, in the 47th year 
of his age. 

Dr. Joshua Frost was born in Fryeburg, Me., in 1767. 
He graduated at Harvard Medical College in 1793; com- 
menced to practice his profession in 1796 at Longmeadow. 
After a short time he removed to Springfield. In August, 
1797, he became a member of the First Church. He was 
one of the selectmen of the town in 1812, 1821, and 1826, 
a member of the Massachusetts Senate in 1826-27. For 
several years he was in partnership with Daniel Chauncey 
Brewer in the drug and medicine business. He was a 
member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, a director 
in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from 
October 5, 1829, until 1832. He succeeded Samuel Orne 
in 1822 as treasurer of the Unitarian society, and served 
four years. In 1819 he gave $250 to the fund for the pur- 
chase of the land now Court Square. 

July 31, 1796, he was married by Rev. Bezaleel Howard 
to Sarah Lombard, daughter of Justin Lombard. She was 
born September 27, 1770, and died May 25, 181 1, in her 
41st year. Children : three sons, three daughters. His 
second wife was Mrs. Elizabeth (Ikadley) Watson of Hart- 
ford, Conn., whom he married in May, 18 13. She died at 
Schenectady, N. Y., December 24, 1865, aged 86 years. 
Children : a son and a daughter. Dr. Frost was one of 
the ablest of his profession in this region, having a large 
and successful practice. He died April 13, 1832, aged 
65 years. 



204 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




BENJAMIN FULLER. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 205 

Mr. Benjamin Fuller was born at Monson, Mass., 
January i, 1796. He was educated at Monson Academy, 
where he graduated in 181 1. When fifteen years old, he 
taught school. Arrivuig at the age of manhood he began 
the business of hotel keeping, which he successfully carried 
on, and was favorably known for thirty years as a hotel 
keeper in Hartford, Waterbury, and Tolland, Conn. He 
was at one time a merchant. In 1852 he represented Tol- 
land in the House of Representatives. 

In 1857 he removed to Springfield and became proprie- 
tor of the Exchange Hotel, where he remained for several 
years. This hotel was torn down in 1890 and upon its site 
a fine brick block has been erected. For about a year Mr. 
Fuller kept the New England House, and soon after, in 
1862, he retired from active business. 

He married Cynthia Collins, March 9, 1823, at South 
Hadley, Mass. She was born at East Windsor, Conn., 
September 12, 1803, died July 25, 1872, at Springfield, in 
her 69th year. He died June 6, 1888, in the 93d year of 
his age. Children : one son, si.\ daughters ; now living 
(1893), Mrs. L. S. Punderson of New Haven, Conn., Mrs. 
J. D. Stratton and Mrs. Richard W. Rice of Springfield, 
Mass. 

Mr. Henry Fuller, Jr., was born in Ashley ville. West 
Springfield, in 181 i. When a boy he moved with his father 
to Springfield, and went into the store of James Wells, a 
dry goods merchant, as clerk. While there he decided to 
learn the tailor's trade, and went to Northampton, and 
served an apprenticeship with Clapp & Kingsley. He re- 
turned to Springfield in 1832, and commenced business for 
himself on the corner of Main and Elm streets, where he 
remained for twenty-eight years, selling out his business in 
1869. During that time, in 1834 he had as partner Tim- 
othy H. Lombard, and afterwards George G. Cadwell. His 
first shop was in the two-story building which stood where 
the Chicopee National Bank block now is. In 1835 it was 



206 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

torn clown, and the block recently demolished (1890) was 
built in 1836, to which he removed. Mr. Fuller was one of 
the original stockholders of the Chicopee Bank, now Chic- 
opee National Bank. He was elected a director of the 
bank in 1846, and its president in 1869, devoting his time 
to the interests of the institution until his death. When 
the town was organized into a city, in 1852, he was a mem- 
ber of the Common Council from Ward two, and an alder- 
man from the same ward in 1856-57-58. He was a direc- 
tor in the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company 
from its organization in 185 i, and a director in the Spring- 
field Mutual P"ire Assurance Company, from October 6, 
i85i,to October i, 1866, and from Octobers, 1868, until 
his death, which occurred June 9, 1887, at the age of 76 
years. 

In 1834 he married Lucy A. Work of Wilbraham, Mass. 
Frank H. Fuller of Springfield is their only child. 

Mr. Eldai) Goodman, master mason, was born in South 
Hadley, Mass., in 1796. About the year 1820 he came to 
Springfield, and built and lived in the house on Water 
street recently the home of the late Lieut. Gov. Eliphalet 
Trask. In 1834-35 he was a representative of the town in 
the Legislature. 

He married Sarah Sanderson. She was born in Spring- 
field in 1796, and died January 17, 1875, aged 79 years. 
He and his wife were admitted members of the First Con- 
gregational Church, Rev. Samuel Osgood, May i, 1836. 
He left home on the 22d of February, 1841, and was found 
dead on the 9th of April the same year, in a small stream 
near Ikimfield, Mass. It is supposed the body had lain in 
the water since about the 22d of February. Children : 
four sons, four daughters. 

Mu. Itiiamar Goodman was born in South Hadley, 
Mass., in 1790. He was a prominent joiner and builder. 
In 1830 he was a representative to the Legislature from 



AND MANSIONS OF SFRINGFIELIX 207 

Springfield, and a director in the Springfield Mutual lure 
Assurance Company from October 26, 1833 to October 6 
1834. 

He married Persis Sanderson, who was born in Spring- 
field in 1790, and died December 23, 1872, aged 82 years. 
He died September 6, 1847, aged 57 years. No children. 

Mr. Elijah Goodrich was born in 1776 and came to 
Springfield early in the present century and lived on Main 
street in the house which stood where is now Hampden 
street. He was fond of fast horses. It is related that 
about the year 1807 he bought a horse of a Mr. Demond of 
Westminster, Vt. (for a certain number of pounds and shil- 
lings which in federal currency amounted to S433.33), which 
was the first horse, in this part of the country at least, to 
trot a mile in less than three minutes. There was a call in 
Boston for a horse that could do it and Mr. Goodrich took 
his horse (named "Boston Blue ") down and rode him in 
2.42, and finally sold him there. On this occasion Mr. 
Goodrich was presented with a handsome saddle and bridle. 
Mr. Goodrich kept Old Worthington Tavern, which stood 
on Main street and what is now Worthington street, during 
the War of 1812-15. From the last date until 1820 he was 
landlord of Bates Tavern, which stood where Foot's block 
now is, and was in 1846 moved on to West State street, 
and is now kept as a hotel. About the year 1821 he 
moved on to State street and lived in the house which 
stood on the westerly side of the Catholic parsonage 
grounds. Having large barn accommodations, he devoted 
his time chiefly to the livery business and the training of 
horses for speed and endurance. The methods used in 
those days for the better appearance and improvement of 
the horse so said, were performed by docking and blood- 
letting. This barbarous custom is still carried on to some 
extent. Such treatment at this day should be made by 
law a criminal offense. 

He married Rachel Lloyd. She died April 17, 1S49, 



208 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

aged 82 years. He died December 5, 1S35, aged 69 years. 
Children : two sons, two daughters. 

Mr. John Goodrich was born in West Springfield, 
Mass., October 22, 1802. In 1835 he went into the livery 
business on State street, on the grounds now owned by the 
Catholic church, about opposite the "old Gaol." In Octo- 
ber, 1839, ^6 opened a tavern on Main street in the gam- 
brel roof house which stood where Hampden street now is, 
having bought the property of Rev. Samuel Osgood. After 
he had kept the house as a hotel about two years it was 
moved to the east side of Main street, and he opened 
Hampden street to Water street and erected the building 
known as "Goodrich's block." 

Mr. Goodrich was well known as a successful trainer of 
horses for speed and endurance. "In the spring of 183 i 
he with three others bought for sixty dollars each, the 
famous trotter, ' Ned Forrest,' and kept him until the 
spring of 1833, when, after beating all the horses in this 
region at scrub races, he trotted with ' Sally Miller,' a 
noted trotter, and made his mile in 2.31 1-2, which was a 
very remarkable performance " at that time. 

In 1826 he married Betsey Curtis, daughter of Elisha 
Curtis. She was born June 7, 1806, died May ii, 1882, 
aged 85 years, 1 1 months. Mr. Goodrich died June 5, 1887, 
aged 84 years, 8 months. Children : two sons, one daugh- 
ter; now living {1893), James W. Goodrich and Mrs. Emma 
(Goodrich) Vinton of Springfield. 

Col. Lewis Gorham was born at Hardwick, Mass., 
March 15, 1801. A master mason and builder. In 1837 
he entered into partnership with Eldad Goodman under 
the firm name of Goodman & Gorham, which continued for 
many years. He afterwards engaged in the auction and 
commission business with William Hatfield under the firm 
name of Hatfield & Gorham. 

September 20, 1830, he was lieutenant of a company in 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 2O9 

a regiment of artillery of the Fourth Brigade, First Divis- 
ion, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia ; major, August 29, 
1833; colonel, Augusts, 1837; discharged September 4, 
1840. In 1847 he was chosen one of the assessors of the 
town. He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire 
Assurance Company from October 2, 1848, to October 22, 
1849, s"*^! from October i, 1855, to January, 1868, and sec- 
retary of the company from July 2, 1849, to January, 1868. 
For eighteen years — 1850 to 1868 — he was treasurer of the 
Springfield Cemetery Association, and a director in the old 
Springfield Bank, now the Second National, 1853-54-55- 
56-57. In 185 1 he was treasurer of the Unitarian society. 
He married Jerusha Lloyd, daughter of William Lloyd, 
of Springfield. She was born January 12, 1809, died April 
2, 1884, aged 75 years. He died January 26, 1868, aged 
6j years. Children : four sons, three daughters. 

Mr. Martin Delano Graves, son of Colton and Eliza- 
beth (Delano) Graves, was born in Sunderland, Mass., in 
1793. About the year 1817 he came to Springfield, where 
he carried on house and sign painting business for many 
years. 

His wife, Resign Graves, died 

He died April 5, 1843, aged 50 years. Children : now 
living (1893), Mrs. Mary Collins, relict of Dr. H. A. Collins, 
and James M. R. Graves, both of Springfield. 

Mr. Elisha Gunn, merchant, was born in 1790. He 
was the leading merchant on the " Hill " for more than 
thirty years in the grocery business. In 1830 he was in 
partnership with Jonathan Bangs under the firm name of 
E. Gunn & Co., and at one time Elisha D. Stocking was a 
partner. 

He married Betsey Bugbee. He died October 15, 1859, 
aged 69 years. Children : the late William Gunn, a mer- 
chant, and Elisha Gunn, of Springfield. 



2IO SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Mr. James VV. Hale, merchant, was a native of Glasten- 
bury, Conn. He was born in 1792, and while but a lad 
entered the mercantile house of Ward Woodbridge, a lead- 
ing merchant of Hartford, Conn., where he remained until 
he was twenty-one years of age. Having the confidence of 
his employers, he was in 1830 transferred to Monson, 
where he was agent and acting manager in the Monson and 
Brimfield Manufacturing Company, in which Mr. Wood- 
bridge was interested. Mr. Hale was afterwards in busi- 
ness with Deacon A. W. Porter at Monson, and a few years 
later carried on a store at Three Rivers, Mass. In 1836 he 
came to Springfield, and engaged in the dry goods trade on 
State street near the corner of Main, but the next year he 
went into business in West Springfield in the brick store 
which was afterwards occupied by the post oiifice, where he 
remained three years. In 1841 he returned to Springfield 
and bought the lot corner of Main aiul East Court streets, 
and built a block, occupying it himself in 1844, and remained 
in business there until his death, August 31, 1863, aged 71 
years. 

His wife was Abigail Nichols. She died April 8, i(S8o, 
aged 85 years. Their son, George N. Hale, died Novem- 
ber 17, 1870, aged 48 years. 

Mr. John West, senior member of the tnrm of West, Stone 
& Co., was a partner with Mr. Hale under the firm name of 
James W. Hale & Co. from February 16, 1858, to Februar)' 
I, 1890, when he retired from active business. 

Mr. Hale made a provision in his will that the income 
arising from the investments of his estate after the pay- 
ment of his just debts and legacies should be expended 
annually for the " deserving poor " people of Springfield, 
in the purchasing of fuel, stoves, and flour, and that the in- 
come should remain forever a perpetual fund. The princi- 
pal of the sum to be invested and administered was about 
^30,000. 

Mr. William L. Bemis was a member of the firm 1855 
to 1865 ; he afterwards moved to Hartford, Conn., and 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 211 

engaged in business ; owing to ill health he went to Cali- 
fornia, and died at Stockton about the year 1877. 
An old time invitation: — 

'■NEW YEAR'S BALL. 
" The company of Mr. Ja?nes W. Hale and lady 
is requested at Norcross' Assembly Room 
on Friday evening, Dec. '^ist, 4 o'clock. 



Austin Stimsox, ] 

Plin. Allen. ! 

George W. Holmes, | 
Cheney B. Allen, J 
" iMuNsoN, 1S24." 



Managers. 



Mr. Hale was "regular and systematic in his affairs, 
and was held in high esteem as a man of marked integrity '" : 
his generous provision, which he made to help the "deserv- 
ing poor " of Springfield, was characteristically bestowed. 

Mr. Chester Harding, the eminent artist, was born in 
Conway, Mass., September i, 1792. "At the age of twelve 
years he was hired out to a Mr. Graves in Hatfield, Mass., at 
six dollars a month," and lived with him two years. He 
went to school in the winter and learned enough to read 
the Bible. At the age of fourteen he removed with his 
father to Madison county, New York. At nineteen he 
worked one winter with his brother (who was a chair maker 
by trade) at turning stuff for chairs. When war was de- 
clared between the United States and Great Britain in 
18 12, his brother enlisted in the service for one year. 
After six months he returned home, when Chester offered 
himself as a substitute, and was accepted, filling the posi- 
tion as a drummer. With his brother he had a contract 
from the United States for the making of drums. About 
the close of the war (18 15) he went with his brother into the 
cabinet and chair manufactory in Caledonia, N. Y. About 
this time he married Caroline Woodruff, a woman of much 
amiability of character, and for a time was engaged in tav- 
ern-keeping. He next tried his fortune in the then " lar 



212 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




CHESTER HARDING. 



AND MANSIONS OF SI'RINGFIKLI). 213 

West," going to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he took up the sign 
painting art. While thus engaged he met a portrait paint'er 
by the name of Nelson, and it was in his studio that he 
first conceived the idea of painting heads. I-^or his first 
effort, *'a razeed portrait of an luiglishman," he received 
five dollars. He afterwards went to Paris, Kentucky, 
where he began his career as a professional artist. In six 
months he had painted one hundred portraits at twenty-five 
dollars each. He spent two months in Philadelphia "de- 
voting his time to drawing in the Academy and studying the 
best pictures." After returning to Kentucky he decided 
to try new fields, and went to Cincinnati, but, meeting with 
no success for orders, he moved on to St. Louis, and hav- 
ing letters, he presented one to Governor Clarke, who 
kindly assisted him in securing a studio, and then " offered 
himself as a sitter." For fifteen months, Mr. 1 larding was 
engaged at his work. He painted the portrait of Col. 
Daniel Boone at the age of 90 years. Leaving St. Louis 
he came east with his family to western New York, where 
his parents were living. P'rom thence he went to Wash- 
ington, where he spent six months, and was successful in 
his business. He painted many portraits in Pittsfield, 
Northampton, and Springfield, Mass. August i, 1823, he 
sailed from New York for Liverpool in the ship Canada, 
arriving on the 19th inst., and was absent from the United 
States three years. On his return he remained for awhile 
in Boston, and afterwards moved to Springfield, living in 
the Colonel Trask mansion on State street. In August, 
1846, he made a second visit to England where he spent 
nine months with profit and pleasure. "As a portrait 
painter he was one of the very first in point of excellence 
that America has ever produced, and in his time he was 
the first without doubt." 

" Many old families of Boston have a choice specimen 
of his skill, and many of our public men in the early part 
of this century have sat, and were painted by him. Among 
those eminent men were Presidents Madison, Monroe, and 



2 14 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

John Ouincy Adams, Chief Justice Marshall, Charles 
Carroll of Carrollton, William Wirt, Henry Clay, John C. 
Calhoun, and Washington Allison. Mr. Harding was 
an intimate friend of Daniel Webster, whose portraits, of 
which there are many painted by him, are among the very 
best extant." 

While abroad he was the companion and friend of many 
distinguished men. Lord Aberdeen, the Dukes of Norfolk, 
Hamilton and Surrey, Samuel Rogers, and David Ricardo 
were among his personal friends. 

"When in St. Louis, early in the spring of i<S66, he 
began to paint a likeness of General Sherman, and only a 
few days before his death at Boston, he gave the finishing 
touches to it, and it is in a remarkable degree among the 
finest of his works." 

Mr. Harding, through all his varied associations and 
life, was of an affable and charming nature, a fit and 
interesting companion to those distinguished personages 
who were favored with his presence. The late Colonel 
Thomas B. Thorpe, who died at New York, Sept. 20, 1878, 
was a personal friend of Mr. Harding; Colonel Thorpe was 
an artist of much reputation and was a member of the 
National Academy of Design. His painting, "Niagara 
Falls," sold in London for $5,000. He was an esteemed 
friend of Daniel Webster and has been on many a fishing 
bout with the great expounder, and with Mr. Harding. 
The three were noble convives. Colonel Thorpe was in the 
Mexican War, and was appointed on the staff of General 
Worth. He was also with General Butler in New Orleans 
during the Rebellion. Colonel Thorpe furnished the fol- 
lowing recollection of Mr. Harding, to one of the leading 
monthly publications : — 

" Chester Harding was a man who fascinated his sitters, not by his 
jokes and dramatic imitations, for he spoke in a low voice, and was 
thoroughly quiet in his manners ; but there was such a fund of intel- 
lectual anecdotes that he remembered of his eminent sitters, that he 
whiled away the time so pleasantly one scarcely noticed its flight. He 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 21 5 

was a great admirer of Daniel Webster, and the friendship was 
thoroughly appreciated. It would have been worth while to have seen 
Harding, who was a great trout fisherman, sitting on a bank, with 
Webster at his side, the two quietly passing a spring morning relating 
their reminiscences, and securing at the same time the gem-sided trout. 
Harding was a painter by inspiration, that came upon him suddenly in 
the backwoods, after he had arrived at man's estate, and while a farm- 
laborer working at the plow to support himself and wife. Almost 
instantly on assuming his pencil, he was adopted by Boston, and became 
the fashion; so successful indeed was his career, that Stuart even was 
neglected. He went to London, and at once secured the friendship 
of Leslie, and the patronage, among others, of the Dukes of Sussex and 
Hamilton. At the latter's castle, in Scotland, he was provided with a 
studio, and received the greatest courtesy. The young American, who 
a few years before was an unnoticed plowman on a sterile farm, was 
now the acknowledged peer of the noblest people of England, and 
equal in all respects in the dignity of his manners and general intelli- 
gence. We met him soon after his return from Scotland, in the very 
depths of the swamps of Louisiana, where he had been invited to paint 
two or three portraits of time-honored friends. We shall never forget 
the evening when he produced a small copper teakettle, on which had 
been engraved the coat-of-arms of the Duke of Hamilton. ' This,' 
said the artist, affectionately, ' was presented to me at the old castle, 
and by lordly hands. I was instructed how to use it, and how to make 
a Scotch whisky punch.' Then he proceeded to heat it and its contents 
over the fire ; then brewed the temperate glass, and passed it around, 
and then for hours gave his three or four friends present the result of 
his experiences among the aristocracy abroad, and the people he so 
loved at home. There was in his conversation a singular mixture of 
world-famed names, and so contrasted that the treat was charming be- 
vond expression. He spoke of Daniel Webster and the Duke of 
Norfolk; of Boone of Kentucky and Rogers the poet; of John 
Randolph and Allison the historian ; of the crowds of titled ladies 
who honored him with their attentions, and of the heroism of his brave 
little wife, who married him when a farm-laborer, and who sustained 
him nobly as he rose in the world. But there was no egotism in this 
man ; his plain, unvarnished tale lacked no quality to make it charming ; 
his conversation was simply the display of riches that needed no setting 
to make it all that reason could desire." 

Mr. Harding's wife, Caroline Matilda Woodruff, died in 
Springfield, Aug. 27, 1845, aged 50 years. Children : seven 
sons, three daughters. Now living : William Henry, in 
Wichita, Kansas; Mrs. Margaret Eliot White, Brookline, 



2l6 SKKTCIIES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Mass.; Horace, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.; James, in Jefferson 
City, Mo. ; Edward, in Joplin, Mo. 

Mr. Harding died at Boston, April i, 1866, aged Ji 
years, 7 months. 

Hon. Solomon Hatch, merchant and farmer, was born 
in Ellington, Conn., October 14, 1784. When a young 
man he came to Springfield, and was clerk for James 
Byers, who had a store on the Armory grounds about 
opposite the officers' quarters, near State street. He suc- 
ceeded Mr. layers in the business, and in a few years retired 
from it and engaged in farming. Mr. Hatch owned a 
large tract of land on the north side of Factory road (now 
St. James avenue) from Bowdoin street east to Thompson 
street, and a large pasture lot from Magazine street to 
Bowdoin street, now belonging to the Kibbe estate. Mr. 
Hatch was chosen town treasurer in 1824, and one of the 
selectmen in 1821-22-23-24-25-26, and in 1824 was elected 
State senator, representing the Hampden district. He was 
a director in the John Hancock Bank in 1853-54-55-56, 
when located on the " Hill." 

He married Hannah Mason Bryant. She was born in 
Springfield, October 17, 1784, and died February 27, 1850, 
in the 66th year of her age. He died January 8, 1865, 
aged 80 years, 2 months, 25 days. A discreet and upright 
citizen, and a correct merchant. Children : five sons, two 
daughters. Now living (1893) : Captain James B. Hatch, 
Springfield. Mass. ; William Stanley Hatch, Cincinnati, 
Ohio; Arthur Hatch, California. 




Autograph written April ig, i8io. 



Mr. Daniel Hitchcock., a farmer, was born in Spring- 
field, January 28, 1796. He was a member of the Com- 
mon Council from Ward one in 1853. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRIXGFIELD. 



217 



March 18, 1824, he married Lydia Day, daughter of 
Asa Day, of Granby, Mass. She was born February 7, 
1796, died June 28, 1870, aged 74 years. Mr. Hitchcock 
died July i, 1877, aged 81 years. A daughter, Harriet J^. 
Hitchcock, resides in Springfield. 

Mr. William Hitchcock was born in Springfield. 
Mass., July 22, 1809. When sixteen years old he went to 
Palmer to learn the trade of a carpenter. He returned in 
December, 1828, and worked at his trade. In 1833 he was 
in the employ of Simon Sanborn, who had the contract for 
doing the carpenter work for the new part of the Hampden 
House, Main street side, and afterward went to Cabotville, 
now Chicopee, and worked on cotton mills Nos. i and 2, 
then being built. He was employed in 1835-36 on the 
three blocks on Elm street and at the corner of Main street 
which were built by James Byers. He was in the employ 
of Col. Homer Foot in 1844-45 in building the house where 
Mr. Foot now lives, and afterward in the United States 
Armory under Major James W. Ripley for about two 
years. He left the city in April, 1850, for California and 
the gold mines, taking passage on a steamer at New York 
for Chagres. The boat had on board about 500 passen- 
gers. On arriving at the port he crossed the isthmus by 
the river route, in part by boat and then for thirty miles by 
land to the Pacific coast, to Panama, where betook passage 
on a sailing vessel which had ninety passengers, and 
reached San Francisco July 27, 1850, having been on the 
journey three months and sixteen days. lie went to 
the mines at Hawkins Bar, Chinese Camp, and Sonora, 
where, after two years' successful placer mining, he lelt 
California in February, 1852, for home by the Nica- 
ragua route on the steamer from San Francisco to San 
Jua del-Sua, and then on horseback to Virgin Hay, twelve 
miles; from thence by boat to Greytown, where he took 
passage on a steamer for New York, arriving home March 
I, 1852. When the town was organized into acity in 1852 



2l8 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Mr. Hitchcock was elected a councilman from Ward five. 
In 1855 he entered the employ of Hubbard & Hendrick, 
contractors and builders, where he remained for several 
)-ears, until 1870. lie was elected alderman in 1859 from 
Ward five and again in i860. In 1853-54 he was employed 
in the construction of the residence of the late James M. 
Thompson and did excellent work for the Boston & Albany 
Railroad ofifices in the granite building. In 1878 he bought 
the livery business located on Water street, where he 
remained until 1887, when he bought the property on 
D wight street, formerly owned by F. & J. M. Richmond, 
where in connection with his son-in-law, George R. Vining, 
he carried on the livery business under the firm of Hitch- 
cock & Vining. 

He married in 1831 Betsey Sherman of Palmer. She 
died August 23, 1877, aged 68 years. He died December 
27, 1 89 1, in the 83d year of his age. Mr. Hitchcock was 
the son of Josiah Hitchcock of Springfield, a farmer, who 
had seven sons and two daughters. 

Mr. Rodney Holt was born in Coventry, Conn,, June 
13. ^7^^- -^t the age of eighteen he went to Warehouse 
Point, Conn., to learn the distilling business at the dis- 
tillery of Phelps & Co. In 18 19 he formed a copartnership 
with William Child, under the firm name of Child, Holt & 
Co. They bought the distillery at Sixteen Acres (Spring- 
field), and carried it on until about i<S30, when Mr. Child 
moved into the town, and lived in the house which stood 
where the P'irst Baptist Church now stands, on State 
street. Mr. Holt, having purchased a farm in Sixteen 
Acres, was engaged in farming for twenty years. He was 
a member of Hampden Lodge of Masons for many years, 
and was a member of the City Government, councilman 
trom Ward eight, in 1852, and alderman from the same 
ward, in 1854. 

In 1820 Mr. Holt married Chloe P"oster of Barkham- 
sted, Conn. She was born January 15, 1799, and died 



AND MANSIONS OF SPKINGFI KLD. 



219 




Nos. 33 and 35 Railroad street was the lesidcnce of Judge John Hooker when it 
stood where the Massasoit Hoiise now is. At that time it was a two-story house, 
and was moved to its present location about the year 1S42, having been bought 1)V 
Marvin Chapin and Israel M. Parsons, but Parsons soon withdrew from the busi- 
ness, when Mr. Chapin took into partnership his Ijrothcr, Ethan S., and they built 
the famous Massasoit House. 



220 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

December 9, 1S86. aged 87 years. He died September 27, 
1862, aged 74 years. Children : three sons, three daugh- 
ters. Albert Holt, paymaster of the Boston & Albany 
Railroad, who has been in the employ of the road since 
1858, is his son. 

Judge John Hooker, son of Rev. John Hooker, was 
born at Northampton, Mass., October 8, 1761. He entered 
Yale College, from which he graduated in 1782, studied law, 
and practiced his profession for many years, having been 
admitted to the bar in the old county of Hampshire. In 
January, 1794, he became a member of the First Congre- 
gational Church, Rev. Bezaleel Howard, D.D. He was one 
of the selectmen of the town in 1807-8, 1810-11 and 1823. 
He was judge of probate court from 1813 to 1829, and sub- 
scribed $700 to the fund for the purchase of land now Court 
Square. Judge Hooker was one of the incorporators and a 
member of the first board of directors of the Springfield 
Bank, now the Second National, and its president from 
18 1 7 to 18 19. 

He married Sarah Dwight, February 9, 1781. She was 
born December 13, 1764, and died September 5, 1842, aged 
"J"] years. He died March 7, 1829, age 6^ years. Chil- 
dren : five sons and three daughters lived to maturity. 
The sons all graduated at Yale College. John Hooker, 
A.M., born December 15, 1791, graduated at Yale College 
in 1810, died May 13, 1857; George Hooker, M.D., born 
March 17, 1793, graduated at Yale College in 1814, died 
March 14, 1884; Sarah Hooker, born October 16, 1794, 
married Dr. Enoch Hale of Boston, May 15, 1822, died 
April 21, 1825 ; Josiah Hooker, A.M., born April 17, 1796, 
graduated at Yale College in 1815, died July 14, 1870; 
Elizabeth Dwight Hooker, born February 16, 1798, mar- 
ried Frederic A. Packard of Springfield, died July 15, 1862; 
Mary Hooker, born September 14, 1799, ^^^^ July 17, 
1824, unmarried ; a son died (1802) and a daughter (1804) 
in infancy; Worthington flooker, M.D., born March 3, 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



221 



'r 



>• 







MRS. JOHN HOOKKK, Sk., 

ni-e Sarah Dwight. 



From a painting by Spencer Harding, about 1840. 



222 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




JOSIAH HOOKER. 



From a crayon, 1871. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



■^5 



1806, graduated at Yale College in 1825, died November 
6, 1867 : Rev. Richard Hooker, born April 10, 1808, grad- 
uated at Yale College in 1827, died December 19, 1857. 

JosiAH Hooker, Eso., son of Judge John and Sarah 
(Dwight) Hooker, was born in Springfield, Mass., April 17, 
1796. He entered Yale College, and graduated in 181 5. 
Studied for the profession of law, and was admitted to the 
bar in 1820. He was appointed one of the special justices 
of peace in May, 1852, by Gov. George S. Boutwell, who 
also appointed at the same time Col. Harvey Chapin, they 
being the iirst special justices established in Springfield. 
He was often appointed by the court as referee in cases 
for final adjustment. In 1838 he was a representative 
from his native town in the Legislature. He was the first 
president of the Springfield Institution for Savings (which 
was incorporated in 1827), a trustee from 1847 to 1870, 
and its president for twenty-four years, from 1846 until 
his death in 1870. He was a director in the Springfield 
Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October 2, 1848, to 
October 6, 185 i ; president of the Hampden Park Associa- 
tion, and for forty years treasurer of the old Springfield 
(toll) Bridge Company. Justice Hooker took great interest 
in our public schools, and for nearly twenty years was a 
member at large of the school committee. He was a man 
greatly esteemed for his " sterling qualities, having a mind 
which strove conscientiously to give just treatment to 
those duties which came to him for a final settlement." 

In 1849 he married Jane W. Judd of VVesthampton, 
Mass., daughter of John A. Judd. Justice Hooker died 
July 14, 1870, aged 74 years. 

Rev. Dr. Bezaleel Howard, son of Nathan Howard 
of Bridgewater, Mass., was born November 22, 1753. He 
was a graduate of Harvard College in 1781, and a tutor 
there in 1783-85. He came from Cambridge, Mass., to 



224 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




i>%^a.^cc^ >^W^ j^jg^v" 



Autograph wiitten March 7, 1S14. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 225 

Springfield on horseback in November, 1784. This account 
is given of his entrance into the town : — 

" Riding up to the Five-mile House, then kept as a tav- 
ern, he learned the distance into town, and was further 
informed that there was a good bridle path by marked trees 
through the woods. Having heard something about a 
robbery in the vicinity he came rapidly to the Hill." It 
was a chilly Saturday night, and although peace had been 
declared the year previous (1783), the few buildings in the 
town had such a worn and dilapidated appearance and the 
loosened clapboards were flapping in such a dismal manner 
that he began to feel terribly homesick. Reining up at the 
only white house, which proved to be that of Jonathan 
D wight, Sr., he rapped at the door and on the appearing of 
that gentleman he stated that he had been engaged to 
preach for six weeks, meanwhile feeling conscious that he 
wished the time was over that he might get back to the 
civilization he had left behind. Mr. Dwight encouraged 
him by saying he had come to the right place, and should 
stop with him over Sunday. When the six weeks had 
expired he received a unanimous call to settle, and, a 
mutual interest having sprung up between himself and Mr. 
Dwight's daughter Lucinda, he chose to remain and was 
ordained pastor of the First Church April 27, 1785, with a 
yearly salary of ^150, and remained until 1803, when he 
resigned on account of failing health. On the 25th of Jan- 
uary, 1S09, he was dismissed, and was given $2,000 in 
recognition of his labor here. 

Mr. Howard, Moses Bliss, and Chauncey Brewer were 
directors in a select school for young ladies in 1793. Mr. 
Howard was president of the Hampden Bible Society and 
Foreign Mission Society, and the originator and one of the 
incorporators of the Springfield Institution for Savings, 
which was organized in 1827. He was one of the faithful 
men who left the First Church " in obedience to his convic- 
tions," and became a supporter of the Third Congrega- 
tional Society (Unitarian). 



226 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

It is related that about the year 1795, Mr. Howard said 
in the presence of several gentlemen, " The child is now 
born who will see a bridge built across Connecticut river." 
Mr. Reuben Bliss, who was present, said to Mr. Dwight, 
"Your son-in-law talks like a fool." A son of this Mr. 
Bliss built the first bridge across the Connecticut river at 
Springfield in 1804. 

On the loth of December, 1785, Mr. Howard married 
Lucinda Dwight. She was born September, 1767, and 
died March 18, 1788, aged 20 years. One daughter by 
this marriage. He married for a second wife Prudence 
Williams. Children : three sons, one daughter. 

Dr. Howard died January 20, 1837, aged 84 years. 

Hon. and Maj. Charles Howard, son of Rev. Bezaleel 
and Prudence (Williams) Howard, was born March 21, 1794, 
in the house which stood on Main street, where P'allon's 
block stands. About thirty years ago the house was moved 
to Hillman street, and in 1891 was torn down to make way 
for a brick block. He was a pupil at Ezra Witter's private 
school at Wilbraham, Mass. It was the intention of his 
father to give him a collegiate education, but by close 
application to his studies he seriously impaired his eyesight, 
and in consequence was obliged to give up his intended 
college course. In 18 16 he entered into partnership with 
Wells Lathrop, under the firm name of Howard & Lathrop, 
for the transaction of a general dry goods and grocery 
business, having a store on Main street a few doors below 
Dr. Chauncey Brewer's drug store (now H. & J. Brewer's). 
In 1824, the firm engaged in the manufacture of paper at 
South Hadley Falls. Mr. Lathrop was the active partner 
in the management of the affairs of the firm, and resided in 
South Hadley Falls, while Mr. Howard gave but little at- 
tention to the business and resided in Springfield. They 
continued the manufacture of paper until 1846, when the 
mill was burned, and on account of the losses which they 
sustained they were obliged to suspend business, and the 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 227 

property was bought by the late Joseph Carew, who rebuilt 
the mill. 

On the election of Andrew Jackson to the presidency in 

1828, Mr. Howard having been one of his supporters, the 
president appointed him military storekeeper of the ord- 
nance department at the U. S. Armory, November 17, 

1829. Mr. Howard remained in office during Jackson's 
term of eight years, and was reappointed by President 
Martin Van Buren, and held the ofifice until July 5, 1841, 
when he was superseded by Edward Ingersoll. 

At the celebration of the 4th of July, 1829, on the " Hill" 
the Jackson men had a dinner provided by Stephen O. 
Russell at the Franklin House, corner of State and Walnut 
streets. The following officers of the Armory were pres- 
ent: John Chaffee, Joseph VVeatherhead, Charles Howard, 
Diah Allin, Thomas Warner, and William F. Wolcott. 
During the repast toasts were called for. Major Howard 
proposed " Internal improvements — railroads and all other 
roads, except a Clay road to ruin." 

In 1829 Major Howard was a member of the Legislature 
in the House of Representatives, and the same year, with 
his brother John, opened Howard street. He was a direc- 
tor in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company, 
from October 6, 1834, to October 21, 1836, and from Octo- 
ber 4, 1841, to October 6, 1845. He served three years, 
1843-5, as treasurer of the Unitarian society, and was one 
of the selectmen of the town, being chairman of the board, 
in 1844. In 1843-4 he was one of Gov. Marcus Morton's 
executive councilors. After the election of James K. Polk 
to the presidency, in 1845, Major Howard received an ap- 
pointment in the custom house at Boston, which office he 
held from 1846 to 1849, when on the election of Gen. 
Zachary Taylor he was retired from office. 

Major Howard furnished most of the capital^for establish- 
ing the Havipdcn Post, a. Democratic paper which was 
under the editorial management of the late John B. Eldridge 
of Hartford, Conn. 



228 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHA15ITANTS 

In June, 1824, he married Elizabeth Buckminster Dvvight, 
daughter of Col. Thomas and Hannah (Worthington) 
Dwight. She was born February 18, 1801, and died Octo- 
ber 7, 1855, in the 55th year of her age. 

Major Howard died September 18, 1875, in the 82d year 
of his age. Children : eight daughters, two sons. Those 
now living (1893) are : Lucinda Orne Howard of Spring- 
field, Rev. Thomas Dwight Howard, who graduated at 
Harvard College in 1848, and was settled at Perry as a 
Unitarian minister for ten years. In March, 1862, he went 
to Hilton Head, S. C, as a teacher of contrabands, and 
was afterwards made general superintendent of contraband 
schools, and in 1864-5 was a chaplain of colored troops 
(78th U. S. C. T.). In 1874 he was settled at Petersham, 
Me., and is now (1893) pastor of the Unitarian church at 
Charlestown, N. H. Sophia Worthington Howard was for 
several years a teacher at Fort Kearney, Nebraska, and of 
the Misses Howard's widely known private school. Cath- 
arine Lathrop Howard was for several years a teacher in 
Professor Agassiz's scientific school at Cambridge, Mass., 
and of the Misses Howard's private school. Mary Dwight 
Howard, who married Alexander Edward Andrews, of 
Binghamton, N. Y., a lawyer. Elizabeth Bridge Howard, 
who married William S. Tiffany, an artist. Sarah Bancroft 
Howard, who married Mr. Hayward of Cambridge, Mass., 
and Emily Williams Howard of Boston, Mass. 

Hon. John Howard, son of Rev. Bezaleel and Prudence 
(Williams) Howard, was born in 1791, and graduated at 
Yale College in 18 10. He studied for the profession of 
law, and was admitted to the bar in 18 13. He was elected 
cashier of the old Springfield Bank in 1823, and continued 
in office until 1836, being paid a salary of $1,000 a year. 
On the retirement of James Byers from the presidency of 
the bank Mr. Howard was chosen his successor, holding 
the office from 1836 to 1849, and having been cashier and 
president of the bank thirty-eight years. Mr. Floward was 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 229 

the first treasurer of the Springfield Institution for Sav- 
ings, which was organized in 1827, one of the fire wardens 
of the town in 1829, and a selectman in 1830-31. He was 
a member of Gov. Edward Everett's council in 1837-38, at 
the time when the normal schools were founded, and the state 
subscription to the stock of the Western Railroad (now the 
Boston & Albany) was made, and of "the division of the 
surplus revenue of the United States, which presented a 
rare question of state policy." 

Following is the first official notice from the Springfield 
Institution for Savings, of its readiness for business : — 

•'NOTICE 
" Is hereby given that the Institution for Savings for the town of Spring- 
field will commence their business on Wednesday, 2d of April. 
Deposits will be received by the treasurer at Banking room of the 
Springfield Bank. Hours of business from 3 to 6 o'clock p. m., on 
every Wednesday. SAMUEL RAYNOLDS, Secretary. 

" March 26, 1828." 

On the 23d of April, 1828, the following editorial notice 
appeared in the Republican : — 

•' Deposits will be received every Wednesday afternoon from 3 to 
6 o'clock, by John Howard, Esq., treasurer; 5 percent, will be allowed 
on all sums over 3 dollars, but sums as small as otic dollar will be 
received on deposit." 

On the increase of the capital stock of the Springfield 
Bank from $150,000 to $250,000, in 1828, the following 
notice appeared in the Republican : — 

•'BANK STOCK AT AUCTION. 
" 190 shares of the new stock of the increased capital of the Spring- 
field Bank will be sold at auction on Wednesday, the 17th inst.. at 2 
o'clock p. m., on the floor of the bank, in lots to suit purchasers. 
'• Springfield Fire Insurance Comp. 

•' By GEORGE BLISS, Jr., Secr'y. 
" H. Brewer, Auctioneer. Sept. 2, 1S2S.'" 

Mr. Howard was a member of Rev. Dr. W. B. O. 
Peabody's society and leader of the Unitarian choir, of 
which some of the members — Fanny B. Peabody, Hannah 



230 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

W. Howard, Mary C. Moore, Homer Foot, Solyman Merrick, 
and Asa W. Sanderson — were accustomed to meet at Mr. 
Howard's house on Maple street to practice during the 
years 1835-38. 

In 18 18 he married Mary Stoddard D wight, daughter 
of Col. Thomas and Hannah (Worthington) Dwight. She 
was born January 26, 1792, and died July 20, 1836, aged 
44 years, 6 months. He died October 23, 1849, aged 58 
years. Children : four daughters. Now living : Margaret 
Howard, now Mrs. Charles W. Swift, London, Eng., 
Frances A. Howard, Paris, France, Eliza W. Howard, 
relict of Baron de Stoeckl, Paris, France. Mr. Howard was 
of dignified personal appearance, and a very influential 
citizen. 




Autograph written January 31, 1833. 

Dea. Boardman Hubbard was born in 1792. He and 
Olive, his wife, were admitted members of the First Church 
(Rev. Dr. Samuel Osgood) March 7, 1824, from the church 
at Middletown, Conn. He was elected deacon April 6, 
1826. He died at West Springfield, Mass., May 9, 1847, 
aged 57 years. His wife died July 10, 1829, aged 39 years. 
Children : one son, two daughters. 

Mr. Elijah Hyde, a soldier of the Revolution, was born 
June 19, 1758, at Lebanon, Conn. In 1804 he removed to 
the town of Franklin, Conn., where he remained one year, 
and then to Coventry, Conn. In 18 15 he went to Elling- 
ton, Conn., where he lived until 1821, when he removed to 
Springfield, Mass. He served in the Revolutionary War 
and was a pensioner. He volunteered January, 1776, 
under Capt. James Mason and Col. James Wadsworth 
for the siege of Boston, and was stationed at Cambridge 
and Dorchester point until the city was evacuated, March 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 23 1 

17, 1776. He was discharged in April, 1776. He served 
six months, from July, 1776, with Capt. James Clark and 
Col. Comfort Sage for the defense of New York city, and 
was stationed on Governor's Island until soon after the 
battle on Long Island, August 27, 1776. When driven off 
the island, and the city was evacuated, September 15, 1776, 
he retreated with the army to White Plains with more or 
less skirmishing on the way, until at Croton river. He was 
discharged in December, 1776. From May, 1781, he was 
employed as conductor of fifteen teams for five months 
under Major Bulkley, and in charge of the baggage for the 
army when it started on its march for Yorktown, Va., as 
far as Annapolis, Md., then he returned to Lebanon, Conn. 
In 1779 he served as light-horseman on the Hudson river, 
and was attached to the dragoons of Col. Elisha Sheldon's 
command, and appointed sergeant, being employed in 
guarding and patrolling the lines about two and one-half 
months to December 15, 1779. From June, 1782, he 
served three months under Capt. Samuel Thompson and 
Col. John Mead at Greenwich, Conn., as sergeant to patrol 
and guard the lines. 

He died August 29, 1835, aged 'j'j years. 

Major Edward Ingersoll, son of John and Elizabeth 
Ingersoll, was born in Westfield, Mass., December 18, 181 2. 
His father having moved to Springfield, Edward, when a 
boy, entered the store of Raynolds & Morris, merchants on 
Main street, as a clerk. In 1830, when eighteen years old, 
he went to Michigan with Edward A. Morris, where they 
established a trade with pioneer settlers. He afterwards 
returned east, and was for a time employed in the dry goods 
store of Ralph Snow at Northampton, Mass. In 1834 he 
was in business with his father-in-law, William Child, under 
the firm name of Child & Ingersoll. In 1837 he went to 
Savannah, Ga., and formed a partnership with his brother 
John in the dry goods trade, where he remained about two 
years, and then returned to Springfield. When in the 



232 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

nineteenth year of his age he was admitted (November, 
1 831) a member of the First Congregational Church, Rev. 
Samuel Osgood. In 1842 he was one of the charter mem- 
bers of the South Church. He afterwards transferred his 
membership to the Olivet Church, where he was superin- 
tendent of the Sunday-school for many years. He was a 
member of the Young Men's Christian Association. About 
the year 1839, Congress having decided to restore the gov- 
ernment of the Armory to military rule, he made applica- 
tion for a position there, and in April, 1841, he went to 
Washington with his credentials, and the following month 
received a commission as an ordnance storekeeper. When 
the John Hancock Bank was organized in 1850 and located 
on the " Hill," he was chosen one of the nine directors. 
In 1864, when the Soldiers' Fair was held in the city hall, 
Springfield, and realized nearly $25,000 for the "Soldiers' 
Rest," he was the leading spirit, and gave his time, without 
stint, to its formation, and the success of the fair was largely 
attributed to his unwearied attention and counsel, and his 
executive ability. " He took great interest in the Moody and 
Sankey meetings which were held in the city hall during 
the year 1878, and did much to promote their usefulness." 
He was a zealous prohibitionist and a man of strong tem- 
perance principles, and should be credited with the success 
he made in breaking up the custom of the armorers in 
pledging their wages to saloon keepers. An effort was 
made to transfer him to another post, but without success. 
He went to Washington and had an interview with the Sec- 
retary of War, William L. Marcy, who asked if the charges 
against him were true. Major Ingersoll replied that they 
were. "Then," said the secretary, sternly, "Go back to 
your work. You are just the man I want in that place.'" 

He was appointed a military storekeeper, ordnance de- 
partment U. S. Army, May 24, 1841, captain and ordnance 
storekeeper July 28, 1866, and paymaster Springfield Ar- 
mory with rank of major same date, and was retired from 
active service June 30, 1882, with three-fourths pay. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



■^56 



Major Ingersoll "possessed sterling qualities, and great 
sincerity of purpose in the performance of the duties which 
devolved upon him during his course of life. Courteous 
and conscientious, he was the Christian gentleman, believ- 
ing in example as a test of profession." 

He was married by Rev. Dr. Osgood, October 29, 1834, 
to Harriet J. Child, daughter of Capt. William Child of 
Springfield. On the 29th of October, 1884, he celebrated 
his golden wedding. Of their children, two sons and three 
daughters were present on that occasion. He died January 
28, 1891, in the 79th year of his age. Childreq : three sons, 
three daughters. 

John Ixgersoll, Esq., son of John and Margaret 
(Moseley) Ingersoll, was born August 12, 1769, at West- 
field, Mass. He entered Yale College and graduated in 
1790 ; studied law, and was admitted to the Supreme Court 
at Northampton, Mass., in 1797, residing in Westfield. On 
the formation of the county of Hampden, in 1812, he was 
appointed clerk of the court, and removed to Springfield, 
which ofifice he held until his death. He subscribed $100 
to the fund for the purchase of the land now Court Square. 

He was a valued member of the First Congregational 
church. Rev. Samuel Osgood, and he and his wife were 
admitted members July, 18 15, from the church in West- 
field. He was one of the incorporators of the Springfield 
Institution for Savings, which was incorporated June, 
1827. Hon. William G. Bates relates this incident : " Dur- 
ing his (Mr. Ingersoll's) residence in Westfield, he and my 
father, Elijah Bates, were for many years the only lawyers 
in Westfield, and lived opposite to each other on the same 
street, in the closest terms of intimacy. It is narrated that 
an aged lady of Westfield was much dissatisfied with the 
' woe ' that was pronounced upon lawyers, for she said that 
both Esquire Ingersoll and Esquire Bates were really too 
good men to be sent to hc/l!" John Ingersoll married 

Elizabeth . He died December 26, 1840, aged 71 

years. Children : two sons, five daughters. 



?34 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




":^Si'f3i^ o^ '^^^^'l:^^ 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 235 

Mr. Joseph Ingraham was born at Enfield, Conn., July 
14, 1808. He came to Springfield in 1822, and lived with 
his uncle, Daniel Bontecou, whose wife was a sister of his 
mother. In his early business career he had a bookstore 
and a printing office on the "Hill," in the building which 
stood on the southwest corner of State and Walnut streets. 
He afterwards engaged in the drug and medicine business 
with Charles J. Upham, under the firm name of Upham & 
Ingraham, having a store in the block on the southeast cor- 
ner of State and Walnut streets. In 1850 he was treasurer 
of the Unitarian society. He was town clerk from 1842 to 
1852, and upon the organization of the city in 1852, he was 
elected city clerk and treasurer, and re-elected for eight 
years in succession. The following entry was recorded by 
him at the close of the affairs of the town, and its entrance 
upon a city government : — 

"Springfield, May 25, 1852. 

'■ This day ends the town and commences the city government, 
having been a town just 216 years to a day, and now we go from an 
old town to an infant city. JOSEPH INGRAHAM, 

" Last town clerk of the old town, and first city clerk and treasurer 
of the new city of Sprittgfield.''' 

During his long and faithful service he was a popular 
and efficient clerk. He was, with Chester W. Chapin and 
Caleb Rice, a commissioner of the sinking fund in 1857- 
58-59. He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire 
Assurance Company from October 2, 1865, to October 
7, 1872. 

In December, 1831, he married Jane Clary, daughter of 
Ethan A. Clary. She was born January 22, 181 2, and died 
August 4, 1888, aged 76 years. Mr. Ingraham died Feb- 
ruary I, 1883, aged 74 years. 

Mr. Joel Kendall, son of Jonathan Kendall, a farmer, 
was born in Sullivan, N. H., January 10, 1796. He worked 
on the farm of his father until he was eighteen years of age, 
and then went to Keene, N. H., where he learned the shoe- 



236 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




This building on State street, now used in connection with the Union Armory, 
is the only one remaining that was erected when the jail buildings were first built 
in 1815-16, and was formerly the residence of the jailer. Col. Ebenezer Russell 
was the first jailer, serving from 1S16 to 1S25. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 23/ 

maker's trade of Kingsbury & Farnsworth. He afterwards 
went to Claremont, N. H., and entered the employ of 
Nicholas Farwell as a journeyman, where he remained 
eight years. From thence he went to Montreal, Canada, 
where he remained one year. In the autumn of 1820, he 
removed to Springfield, Mass., and in March, 182 1, com- 
menced business on his own account. In 1824 he entered 
into partnership with Elijah Blake, who was then the only 
other shoe dealer in the town. After three years of business 
the firm was dissolved, and he then went into business in 
Brewer's building on Main street, opposite the Walker 
block. About 1858, he removed his business to his own 
building, which stood where Metcalf & Luther's block now 
is. Mr. Kendall was actively engaged in business from 
182 1 until 1878, a period of fifty-seven years. He was one 
of the original members that formed the Unitarian society 
when the Rev. Dr. Peabody became the pastor. " He never 
held any public office but preferred ever to serve the public 
in his happy way, and gaining the esteem and regard of all 
who ever knew him as a Christian gentleman, consistent in 
his daily walk, and distributing his kindly alms to those 
who he knew were needy." 

In 1825 he married Miss Rosetta Alden, of Claremont, 
N. H. She was of the seventh generation from John Alden, 
who came over from England in the Pilgrim barque. She 
died September 27, 1870, aged 72 years. Mr. Kendall died 
February 2, 1878, at the age of 82 years. Children: five 
sons, four daughters ; now living (1893), one son, one daugh- 
ter. 

Mr. Madison Kendall, son of Temple and Prudence 
(Swallow) Kendall, was born in Dunstable, Mass., in 18 10. 
He went to Chicopee Falls and in 1829 entered into the 
employ of Nathan P. Ames. He afterwards moved to 
Chicopee center, and became proprietor of the Cabot 
House, which he managed for fourteen years, from 1849 to 
April, 1864. (The Cabot House was built in 1834-35 by 



238 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




JOHN KIL130N. 



AND MANSIONS OF .SPRINGFIELD. 239 

Chester W. Chapin.) On his retirement from the hotel 
business Mr. Kendall was in the service of the Ames Man- 
ufacturing Company. 

He married first Mary — She died 

His second wife was Miss Harriet P. Carson, whom he 
married in Chicopee, January 3, 1866 Mr. Kendall died 
in Chicopee, May 19, 1891, aged 80 years, 9 months, 20 
days. 

John Kilbon, son of Luther and Mary (Warriner) 
Kilbon, was born at Wilbraham, Mass., March 15, 1799. 
His father owned and carried on a farm about one mile 
east of the present North Wilbraham station of the Boston 
& Albany Railroad. He was also a shoemaker, which call- 
ing he followed in the winter. His son John learned the 
trade, and on reaching the age of nineteen years found 
employment as a journeyman with Gad Bliss at Long- 
meadow, Mass., for whom he worked for six months. 
After a year spent in Durham, Conn., he removed to 
Springfield, where he continued his trade in a room on 
Walnut street opposite the Water Shops, where he 
remained one year, and from thence he moved to a room on 
State street near Woodworth avenue. 

April 3, 1822, he married Ruth Stebbins of Springfield, 
Mass., and commenced housekeeping at 495 State street, 
where he remained three years. He then built the house 
418 Union street, it being the first house built on that 
street on the " Hill." His increasing business induced 
him to form a copartnership with Daniel Shepard, a tanner 
by trade, and a former schoolmate of his. Mr. Shepard's 
part of the joint business was to conduct a tannery at Wil- 
braham, Mass. The partnership was of short duration, as 
in about one year (May 10, 1825) they dissolved partner- 
ship. Mr. Kilbon found that he was greatly in debt, owing 
to the mismanagement of his partner. He therefore sold 
his house and collected what sums were due him in his 
business and soon paid his indebtedness in full. 



240 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Mr. Kilbon was admitted to the First Church in 
November, 1823, in which he became an active and honored 
member. He was one of the movers in building the 
"Conference House" on High street, on the "Hill" in 
which prayer meetings were held for that, at that time, 
sparsely settled community. He was one of a company of 
eleven who signed a compact withdrawing from the First 
Church in December, 1832, from which an organization 
was formed on the 8ih of January, 1833, with nineteen 
members and is now known as the Olivet Church. The 
conference meetings were held under the ministry of Revs. 
Waters Warren and Abraham C. Baldwin. 

Mr. Kilbon sold out his shoe business to Austen Stew- 
art, who had been his partner for a few years, and was for a 
short time interested with Henry Stebbins and Horace 
Ladd in a shoe store on Main street. Through his devo- 
tion to religious work and business, his health became 
seriously impaired, and by the advice of his physician and 
family he removed to Wilbraham, Mass., having purchased 
the old homestead after the death of his father. 

His sympathy was always upon the side of the oppressed, 
and this trait of his character led him early to espouse the 
cause of the slave, and he became an abolitionist in the 
days when it cost to be numbered among the despised 
band, but such was his devotion to principle that no 
amount of opposition would turn him from it. His life was 
not prolonged to witness the accomplishment of his desire 
in the abolition of slavery. 

He died March 24, 1852, aged 53 years. His wife was 
born June 11, 1802, and died at Springfield, July 30, 1888, 
aged 86 years. Of their nine children only three are now 
living (1893) : John L. Kilbon, cashier of the Lee National 
l^ank, Lee, Mass. ; George B. Kilbon, principal of the 
Springfield Manual Training School ; and Charles W. Kil- 
bon, a missionary of the American Board of Commissioners 
for Foreign Missions to the Zulus at Natal, South Africa. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 24! 

Mr. Ezra Kimberlv was born in Hamden, Conn., in 
1794. Me came to Springfield about the year 1820 and 
engaged in the grocery and hotel business near the upper 
water shops then so called, in which enterprise he was suc- 
cessful. In i860 he was a member of the House in the 
Legislature. 

He married . He died June 1 7, 1 867, aged 73 years. 

Children : three sons, one daughter. 

Dr. Sa;muel Kingsbury was born in Tolland, Conn., 
September, 17S2. He studied for the medical profession 
and came lo Springfield and engaged in practice until his 
death. 

He married Jemina Chapin (widow of Dr. Charles Pyn- 
chon Lyman), daughter of Col. Abel Chapin of Chicopee. 
She was born October 7, 1783, and died January 20, 1846, 
in the 63d year of her age. He died June 18, 1828, in the 
46th year of his age. Children : four sons, three daugh- 
ters. Now living (1893), Mrs. Elizabeth Lee, relict of 
William Whitney Lee of Springfield, Mass. 

Mr. Daniel P. Kingsley was born in Guilford, Vt., 
June 14, 1808. Early in life he engaged in staging be- 
tween Northampton and Worcester, Mass. In 1835 he 
came to Springfield, Mass., and engaged in the business 
between the latter place and Albany, N. Y., and between 
Pittsfield and Lebanon Springs, in 1840. His office was at 
the old " Hampden Coffee House," corner Main and Court 
streets. Owing to the advent of the Western Railroad, 
now the Boston & Albany, in 1841, he went to Brattleboro, 
Vt., and started a line of stages between that place, Green- 
field, and Walpole. N. H. He afterwards spent a year as the 
agent for the Lake Shore Railroad in New England. In 
1859 h^ became the proprietor of the American House, 
Springfield, where he remained until 1867, when on the 
property being sold to the Boston & Albany Railroad corpo- 
ration, he went to Northampton and took charge of the Man- 



242 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

sion House, and at different times had charge of the United 
States Hotel, Boston, Plympton House, Watch Hill, R. I., 
and Holyoke House, Holyoke, Mass. He finally retired 
from business and lived at the Haynes House, where he 
died October 23, 1886, at the age of yd> years. 

He married Mary Button of Dummerston, Vt. She 
was born March 16, 1808, died July 18, 185 1, aged 43 
years. A son, George Kingsley, lives in Springfield. 

Hon. Wells Lathrop was born in Becket, Mass., Feb- 
ruary 25, 1795. He was son of Capt. Joseph Lathrop, and 
a grandson of that eminent divine, Rev. Dr. Joseph La- 
throp of West Springfield. \\\s parents removed to Wilbra- 
ham when he was a child. \n his boyhood he passed the 
winters in study with his grandfather. When sixteen years 
old he came to Springfield and entered the store of Warri- 
ner & Bontecou as clerk. In 18 16, when twenty-one years 
of age, he formed a partnership with Charles Howard, 
under the firm of Howard & Lathrop, and carried on a gen- 
eral merchandise business for about nine years. In 1824-25 
the firm built the first paper mill erected in Hampshire 
county, at South Hadley Falls, on the site of the present 
Glasgow mills. For more than twenty years Mr. Lathrop 
managed the business while Mr. Howard remained in 
Springfield. They did not succeed in the enterprise, and 
in April, 1846, they went into insolvency. The next month 
a fire destroyed the mill and its contents. At a later time 
Mr. Lathrop engaged in farming in South Hadley and was 
largely interested with his brother Paoli Lathrop in stock 
raising. 

In April, 1841, the late Frederick Dwight bought of 
them some of the noted Durham stock, which were sent to 
his prairie farm on Rock river, Portland, 111. 

Mr. Lathrop was one of the incorporators of the Chic- 
opee Bank, Springfield. In 1836, when the bank was or- 
ganized, he was chosen one of the directors. He was one 
of the fifty-four petitioners to the Legislature in May, 1818, 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 243 

for an act of incorporation as the second society (Unitarian) 
of the first parish in Springfield. 

He married, November 12, 18 19, Catharine Rhodes 
Bontecou, daughter of Daniel Bontecou. She was born in 
Enfield, Conn., December 26, 1798, and died December 
24, 1832, aged 34 years less two days. 

Children : two sons, two daughters. 

September 12, 1836, he married for a second wife Mrs. 
Lydia Washburne, widow of Dr. Lewis Washburne of 
Bridgewater, Mass., daughter of Benjamin and Relief 
(Dunbar) Ager of Acton, Mass. Children : a son, died 
young. A daughter Mary, who married Prof. Orlando M. 
Fernald of Williams College. 

Mr. Lathrop died in South Hadley, Mass., April 12, 
1 87 1, aged 76 years. He was originally a member of 
the Whig party, but became a Democrat in the " 15 gallon 
law" times of 1838. He was often a delegate to the state 
and national conventions, and was known to be the writer 
of some of the "sharpest and sauciest" of the political 
handbills which were so liberally used to arouse the hearts 
of voters of fifty years ago. 

The following are copies of original handbills in posses- 
sion of the writer : — 

WORKING MEN, BE NOT DECEIVED! 

" To The Polls, one and all, and by your united exertions, add 
another and more glorious victory to that so gallantly achieved last 
Monday. The men who are opposed to a ?eciuciioti of high salaries 
and state taxes, are on the alert — they have already boasted that they 
will this night " chaunt the requium " of Working-Men. 

"Electors of Springfield, Working-Men, and friends of 
Economy, Retrenchment, and Equal Rights, shall these things be.? 
Come to the Polls, then, and support the IVor^ing-J/en's Senatorial 
Ticket, Ja.mes Kent, Esq., Col. Harvev Chapix. 

" The friends of high salaries and exorbitant state taxes, alarmed at 
the indications recently manifested by the Working-Men, to assert their 
rights, have held a Caucus, ostensibly to oppose Gen. Jackson and his 
administration. But the real object was to put down the Working- 
Men. They have no fears of the Jackson party, in this Common- 



244 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

wealth — the cry against it is for the purpose of diverting the Working- 
Men from their fixed purposes of Reform and Retkenxhment. 

"Again, Working-Men, be not deceived. But to the Polls, and by 
this day's work effectually stop the Treasuiy leak, through which 
5®== Two Hundred Ninety-three Thousand, Nine Hundred 
Forty-two Dollars and Forty-five Cents found its way out last 
year ! ! ! 

"$293,942.46. STATE EXPENDITURE FOR THE LAST 

YEAR! 
" $49,486.94 }/io/ e i/iafi tJie wJwle expenses of Ike otJie)- five Nezu Eng- 
land States. 

" Electors of Hampden. — -Shall a Charles X and his Polignac, 
grind us to the face of the Earth ! — It was for their enormous expendi- 
ture, and taking from the mass of the people — the working men — the 
real bone and sinew of the country, their just rights, that the good La 
Fayette, placed himself at the head of the noble working-men of Paris 
and hurled their oppressors from power. We have our aristocracy, our 
Charles X and our Polignac, and we have them at our own doors ! 

"Who have hitherto controlled the elections in this county.-* A 
Small Band of Lawyers and Springfield Aristocrats ! Who 
boast, that f-^nos Foote and John Wyles shall be forced upon the Work- 
ing-men ? This Little Band of Lawyers and Aristocrats who 
Nominated them ! Who boast, that the present splendid State Gov- 
ernment to the tune of $293,000 per annum, shall continue to be forced 
upon the people ? This same Aristocratic, Ruffle Shirt Party ! 
Who will sustain the Lawyer's bar rules .'' Who will continue to op- 
press the people with the present oppressive laws for the support of 
Religious worship ? Who would deprive every independent Working 
Man of his vote, unless he was worth 200 dollars ? Who appeal to the 
Working Men but to deceive and cajole us ? The Aristocracy ! 
The Lawyers! The Ruffle Shirt Party, who Nominated 
Enos Foote and John Wyles ! 

" WORKING MEN OF HAMPDEN— ^loney does not flow 
into our pockets by the aid of bar rules, by our capital at interest, nor 
by holding office. We earn our money by the sweat of our brow. Our 
produce is low, our wages are cheap, and the earnings of our Mechanics 
are small. Can we bear this enormous load of expenses? We are 
divided into two parties. The aristocracy is one and the great body of 
the people, the other. The simple question for us to decide is, shall a 
small purse proud aristocracy, like a Charles X and Polignac, rule the 
great body of the people with a rod of iron, or shall the people, like the 
Working Men of France, Shake off Their Oppressors. 

WORKING MEN. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 245 

Rev. Sanford Lawton was born in Dudley, Mass., 
December ii, 1798. When eight years of age he moved 
with his father to Hardwick, Mass., where he worked for 
several years on his father's farm. He entered Yale Col- 
lege in 1821, and graduated in 1825. He studied for the 
ministry and preached a year in Barre, Mass. He taught 
school in Dudley for a few years, and afterwards was prin- 
cipal of Monson (Mass.) Academy. He came to Springfield 
about 1836, and soon after opened a private school on West 
State street, on the third floor of the building recently 
vacated (1891) by G. & C. Merriam Co. Among his pupils 
at this time were Ephraim W. Bond and Allen Bangs of 
Springfield, George Wolcott, now of Ouincy, 111., and the 
writer. Mr. Lawton was the first principal of the high 
school opened in 1841, and located on State street, where 
the court house stands. Mr. Lawton was a learned Latin 
and Greek scholar. As a tutor he impressed upon the 
minds of his pupils that the study of "conjugation of 
verbs, for the perfection of the languages, was very impor- 
tant." He was one of the original members and assisted 
in the formation of the South Church, founded in 1843. 
About the year 1850, he moved to Longmeadow, Mass., 
where he established a school for boys, which prospered for 
several years. In 1874 he returned to Springfield, and 
lived with his son, Dr. Sanford Lawton, on Maple street, 
where he died November 7, 1882, aged nearly 84 years. 
He married Mary Ann Colton, of Longmeadow, Mass. 
She was born December 1 1, 1802, and died January 5, 1880, 
aged jy years. Children : four sons, two daughters. 

Hon. Benning Leavitt, son of Rev. E. and Sally 
(Jewell) Leavitt, was born in Northampton, N. H., in 1793. 
Coming to Cabotville (now Chicopee) many years before it 
became a town, he engaged in the manufacture of bobbins, 
which business he successfully carried on for several years. 
He invested largely in real estate, which in time greatly 
increased in value. In 1853, he was one of the selectmen 



246 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




HORACE LEE. 



From a painting by a French artist, 1S31. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 247 

of the town, and was a director in the Springfield Mutual 
Fire Assurance Company from October 2, 1843, to October 
7, 1S72. He was for several years one of the trustees of 
the Chicopee Savings Bank. In 1856, he was a member 
of the Massachusetts Senate from the Eastern Hampden 
district. He was elected county commissioner, and held 
the office from 1847 to 1850, and from 1862 to 1865. He 
was a prominent Mason, and treasurer of the Chicopee 
Lodge of Masons from its organization in 1849. An 
esteemed citizen, and a sterling Democrat of the " old 
school." 

He died at Chicopee, October 29, 1876, aged 83 years, 
8 months, 15 days. 

Mr. Horace Lee was born in Westfield, Mass., Octo- 
ber 28, 1795. At an early age he went to Boston and 
learned the cabinet and chair making business. He after- 
wards went to Northampton, Mass., and started business 
on his own account. In a short time, about the year 1830, 
he removed to Springfield, and was for several years doing 
the largest business in the cabinet and chair making line 
ofanyfirmin Western Massachusetts. His manufactory 
was on Main street in the building now occupied by W. H. 
Wright, dealer in tobacco, 479 Main street. While thus 
engaged, Mr. Lee met with a heavy loss by fire, which 
destroyed his manufactured stock and a valuable lot of 
mahogany amounting to about $10,000, with no insurance. 
To extinguish the fire the town had only one small fire 
engine, which was filled with water from Town brook by 
dipping it up in leathern buckets. 

Mr. Lee was married December 6, 1820, in Northamp- 
ton, Mass., to Laura Clark, daughter of David Clark of that 
town. She died December 27, 1871, aged 74 years. 

Mr. Lee died April 14, 1868, aged 72 years. Children : 
four sons ; now living (1893), Charles M. Lee, formerly a 
merchant, and Henry S. Lee, treasurer of the Springfield 
Institution for Savings since 1858. 



248 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




COL. ROSWELL LEE, U. S. ARMY. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 249 

In 1 818 Charles Stearns opened Union street east from 
Maple street. The land, being covered with pine trees, 
was called " the Wilderness." Mr. Lee, Edwin Pitkin, 
Martin D. Graves, Apollos Marsh, and Samnel Bowles 
bought a lot of land on the north side of the street, and 
each built a house thereon, all of which are yet standing on 
their original sites, except the one built by Mr. Bowles, 
which has been moved to School street. 

Col. Roswell Lee was born October 14, 1777, at 
Canaan, Columbia county, N. Y. He entered the military 
service of the L^nited States, and was appointed major, 
March 3, 1813, in the 25th Regiment of Infantry ; trans- 
ferred in the following May to 37th United States Infantry ; 
appointed lieutenant colonel September 21, 1813 ; was 
stationed at Groton, Conn.; had command of Fort Gris- 
wold in the War of 18 12, and at its close was discharged at 
Sackett's Harbor, N. Y. He came to Springfield in 1815, 
was appointed superintendent of the U. S. Armory June 2, 
18 1 5, and remained in office until his death in 1833. 

Dr. Alfred Booth in his reminiscences of Springfield, 
in 1868, says : — 

"Colonel Lee undertook to correct certain abuses which had been 
permitted by his predecessor. Col. Benjamin Prescott, and among 
other things forbade the taking of spirituous liquors into the shops. 
The workmen were not disposed to have their liberties abridged, and 
a further step raised a rebellion. Going into one of the shops in 
March, 181 6, he found two men named Noble and Charter, wrestling 
in the middle of the room, with the rest of the workmen standing 
around. He promptly discharged the two offenders, and as was the 
custom they got some rum to pay their clearance, and invited all hands 
out to the ' liberty pole ' in the center of the grounds to drink. There 
the men resolved that if they couldn't have any liberty, they wouldn't 
have any ' liberty pole ' and went to work to cut it down. Colonel Lee 
sent out his clerk. William F. VVoicott, to remonstrate, but they paid 
no attention, and then the master armorer, Adonijah Foot, went out for 
the same purpose. He was told by one man swinging an axe io look 
out for his lei^s, for lie couldtit iell wliere lie s/iould strike next. 
Finally the Colonel himself went out. and by threatening prosecution 



250 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




i^tf^^^^ 4^%i^^C^^ 



Autograph written March 11, 17S3. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 25 I 

before the United States court, with perhaps some concession in the 
way of explanation, they desisted. Colonel Lee admitted afterward 
that he was hasty in the matter, though on the whole he thought it 
resulted in good to all concerned." 

Colonel Lee was a prominent Mason, the Roswell Lee 
Lodge being named in his honor. 

He married at Hamden, Conn., December 20, 1804, 
Phebe Potter. She died December i, 1869, aged 86 years. 
He died August 25, 1833, in the 56th year of his age. 
Children: five sons, two daughters. Now living (1893), 
Mrs. Eliza Phebe Wetmore, relict of John G. Wetmore 
of VVinsted, Conn. 

Mr. William Lloyd was born April i, 1779. A cabi- 
netmaker. 

He married Jerusha Gardner, born in Springfield, Mass., 
January 30, 1780, and died March 13, 1859, aged 79 years. 
He died September 10, 1845, aged 66 years. Children: 
si.\ sons, eight daughters. 

Mr. Daniel Lombard, quartermaster and postmaster, 
was born F^ebruary 4, 1764, In 1787, during the Shays 
rebellion, he was active on the side of the Government 
forces in quelling the insurrection. In i8c6, during the 
second term of Thomas Jefferson, he was appointed post- 
master of Springfield, and held the office through the 
administrations of James Madison, James Monroe, and 
John Quincy Adams, until June 3, 1829, making a continu- 
ous service of twenty-three years, when, during the first 
term of General Andrew Jackson (elected president in 1828), 
he was succeeded by Albert Morgan. Mr. Lombard kept 
a store, and had the post office in a wooden building which 
stood on the corner of Main and Elm streets, where the 
Chicopee National Bank is located. In 1805 he was with 
George Blake, James S. Dwight, Edward Pynchon, and ten 
other prominent citizens, incorporated as the " Proprietors 
of Aggawaum Bridge," for the purpose of building a bridge 



252 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

over that river in West Springfield. In 1810, the Hartford 
(Conn.) Fire Insurance Company appointed him their sur- 
veyor in the town and vicinity, and he was authorized to 
receive proposals for insurance. Me became largely inter- 
ested in the turnpike corporations in Western Massachu- 
setts. He was the owner of one turnpike which had its 
toll gate in Wilbraham, near Collins Depot. The pike 
extended eastward to Palmer, and was known as the 
"Lombard Turn])ike." It was finally purchased by the 
Western Railroad (now the Boston & Albany). He was 
one of the unconditional subscribers (one hundred dollars) 
to the fund for the purpose of buying the land which is now 
Court Square. 

He was commissioned July 31, 1794, by Gov. Samuel 
Adams, quartermaster First Regiment, First Brigade, 
Fourth Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Hon- 
orably discharged January 20, 179H. 

He married Sylvia Burt of Longmeadow, Mass. She 
died April 16, 1856, aged 86 years. He died May 5, 1856, 
aged 92 years. They had lived a married life of si.xty-eight 
years, a remarkable duration. Children : three sons, six 
daughters. 

Mr. Joseph Lomijakd was born at Somers, Conn., in 
1794. On his coming to Springfield at the age of fourteen, 
he began work at the U. S. Armory as an apprentice, and 
continued for thirty-five years in the employ of the govern- 
ment. Was foreman at the old Water Shops. He was op- 
posed to the military superintendency of the Armory, which 
caused his removal from the service. He encouraged Sam- 
uel Bowles in founding the Republican in 1824. He was a 
member of the First Church when under the pastorate of 
Rev. Dr. Osgood. He was prominent in town affairs and 
an earnest Jacksonian Democrat. 

He died May 3, 1870, aged -jC) years. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



!53 




Xo. 364 Main street, the home of Justin Lombard, built in 17S7 at a cusl ot 
$1,200. The property sold at auction, May 10, 1S93, for $119,250,10 settle the 
estate. 



254 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




CORNELIUS LVMAX AND HIS SOX JAMES. 



Frcm a painting by R. Earl, 1801. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 255 

Dea. Justin Lombard, farmer and merchant, son of 
Daniel Lombard, was born in Springfield, October 6, 1759. 
In 1821 he was chosen one of the selectmen of the town. 

June 6, 1788, he married Phoebe Bliss, daughter of 
Lieut. Timothy and Elizabeth (Stebbins) Bliss. She was 
born October 6, 1757, and died June 3, 179S, aged 40 years. 
Children : one son, three daughters. In April, 1789, he 
and his wife were admitted members of the First Congre- 
gational Church, Rev. Bezaleel Howard. In 1819, on the 
organization of the Third Congregational Society (Unita- 
rian), Rev. W. B. O. Peabody, he became a member, and 
was for several years one of the deacons of the church. 
June 20, 1799, he married for a second wife Elizabeth 
Loring, daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth (Bliss) Loring. 
She was born June 13, 1777, and died March 22, 1855, 
aged 78 years. Mr. Lombard died October 20, 1841, aged 
82 years. Children : six sons, four daughters. 



^^ cZZa ,^C0 ^''^^ '^ (?t.^i^ c/ 



Autograph written March 7, 1S14. 

Mr. Roswell Lombard was born in Springfield, 
August 26, 1766. He was a saddler and a manufacturer 
of mattresses. 

He married. October 4, 1789, Nancy Jones of Stock- 
bridge, Mass. She died at Coxsackie, N. Y., September 21, 
1803. Children: three sons, three daughters. April 11, 
1805, he married for a second wife Cornelia Hall of Middle- 
town, Conn. She died September 5, 1861, aged 81 years. 
Children : three sons, four daughters. He died October 24, 
1843, aged J J years. 

Capt. Cornelius Lyman, son of Captain William and 
Jemima (Sheldon) Lyman of Northampton, Mass., was 
born January 7, 1858. He enlisted in the U. S. Army 
and was captain of the First U. S. Infantry in what was 



256 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




HON. SAMUEL LVAIAN. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 257 

called John Allen's Army. He was stationed at Spring- 
field in 1793, afterwards on the frontier. 

He married Sarah Mason of Boston. He died at 
Vincennes, Ind., March 23, 1805, aged 47 years. Child: 
James Lyman, who died unmarried. 

Hon. Samuel Lvman. It has been stated* that in the 
records both of the town and of the church in Northampton, 
Mass., for the first fifty years or more, the name of Lyman 
is generally written " Liman." In the pedigree of the 
Lymans in England, it is evident that the above names 
were recognized as the same, from the fact that Sir John 
Leman, Lord Mayor of London, 16 16, had a correspondence 
with the widow of Henry Lyman, brother of Richard, 
respecting her return to England: and that the father of 
Sir John held part and parcel of the same estate which 
came into the possession of the Lymans, by the marriage of 
Thomas Lymanof Navistoke, with Elizabeth Lambert. The 
name of Lyman, in this orthography, appears in the parish 
records of High Ongar as far back as 152L The ancient 
and honorable lines of Lambert and L^mfreville unite in 
the marriage of Sir William Lambert and Johanna de 
Umfreville, and they become the ancestors of the Lyman 
family, by the marriage of their great granddaughter with 
Thomas Lyman, Esq., of Navistoke, county of Essex, in 
England. This Thomas becomes the great grandfather of 
Richard, who was the great great great grandfather of 
the Hon. Samuel Lyman. The Lyman family have, at 
different times, borne live separate armorial bearings or 
emblems, of which two only are worthy of particular notice. 
The second figure in the quartering is the coat of arms of 
Elizabeth Lambert, the heiress, who by her marriage, about 
148S, with Thomas Lyman, of Navistoke, near High Ongar, 
brought large estates into the family. The third is the 
armorial bearings of Sarah Osborne, the wife of Richard, 
the original immis:rant to America. 



'See "Genealogy of tlie Lyman Family," by Lym.iii Coleman, D.D. 
iS 



258 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Papers are in the possession of the Lyman family, show- 
\n<y the descent of the above Elizabeth Lambert, from Sir 
Radulphus Lambert. Knt., grandson of Lambert, Count of 
Lorain and Mons, who came into England with his kins- 
man, William the Conqueror, and was present at the battle 
of 1 lastings, — also, the pedigree of the above Johanna, sister 
and co-heiress of Gilbert d'Umfreville, Earl of Kyme, the 
famous soldier in the French wars, in the time of Henry 
IV. and Henry V., who was slain with Thomas, Duke of 
Clarence and others, 1421, and who married Sir Thomas 
Lambert, Knt., of Owlton, and showing her descent from 
Sir Robert d'Umfreville. Lord of Tours and Vian, in Nor- 
mandy, commonly called " Robert with the Beard," and 
who was kinsman to William the Conqueror, with whom he 
came into England, and who in the tenth year of his reign 
gave him the forest of Riddlesdale, with all its castles, 
manors, lands, and woods. Hon. Samuel Lyman, whose 
descent is thus traced, was born in Goshen, Conn., January 
25, 1749. He was the second son of Moses Lyman and 
Sarah Hayden, his wife. His father was a native of North- 
ampton, Mass., where he and his wife lived for many 
years, and were the parishioners of Jonathan Edwards. A 
sister of Moses Lyman, Phebe, married Caleb Strong, and 
became the mother of Governor Caleb Strong of Massa- 
chusetts ; his brother, "the Rev. Lsaac Lyman, was the 
ancestor of a distinguished lineage in and near Boston." 

Blest in his parentage as well as in his environment, Mr. 
Lyman early received •' the tribute of recognition." He was 
called to fill places of great responsibility and trust, at an 
age when most young persons would be learning their 
apprenticeship for those positions. At that period, our 
country was in special need of the services of men of high 
character and of marked ability. 

Samuel Lyman graduated at Yale College, 1770. After 
settling in Springfield, he married Mary Pynchon of that 
town. He was a lawyer, first in Hartford and afterward in 
Springfield. From 1786 to i78<S, he served in the Legisla- 



AND MANSIONS OF Sl'KINGF IKLI). 250 

ture. He was State senator from 1790 to 1793, While in 
Massachusetts, he was a judge of the Circuit Court of that 
state, and a member of Congress during Washington's 
administration, from 1795 to iSoo, when he resigned. 

His children were: Charles P., who married Miss 
Chapin, and who died soon after his marriage; Samuel, a 
graduate of Yale College, who was a judge of the Circuit 
Court of Massachusetts, and a member of Congress. He 
married Miss Clarissa Gates, and died at the age of 55 years, 
leaving six children. The names of these children were 
Clarissa, Laura, Annie, George, Samuel, and Charles. Hon. 
Samuel Lyman's third child and only daughter, Mary, was 
placed, after her father's death, under the guardianship of Dr. 
Howard, of Springfield. Mary Lyman married Mr. Robert 
Emery, of Salem, who removed to Springfield, upon his 
marriage. Of her five children, two died in infanc}'. The 
oldest, Capt. Charles Emery, resided in Boston ; John, her 
second son, was a young man of great promise. He died in 
his senior year, at Harvard College. Mary Emery married 
Lieut. Charles Bates Pierce of the United States Navy. 

In regard to Mr. Lyman's speeches or debates, while a 
member of Congress, the writer is unable to find any ex- 
tended notice. It is well in this connection, to remember a 
fact lately stated by the librarian of the state of Connecti- 
cut, that the sessions of "the general government," of that 
period, were, for the most part, held with closed door.s. 
reports of speeches made in the Senate being excluded 
from the newspapers, while those of the House were but 
rarely reported. 

Letters of historic interest were written by Mr. Lyman 
to the members of his family while he was attending Con- 
gress. From a letter dated December 23, 1795, addressed 
to his brother, Col. Moses Lyman, we make the following 
extract : — 

"As to politics. I do not yet know what to say to you, 
but I hope for the best. I imagine ])arty spirit will not 
run so hicrh as was expected. I think the interception of 



26o SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Fauchet's letter will be attended with happy consequences. 
Randolph must be the scapegoat. Some months past, we 
had a true account published in the newspapers, how this 
letter got into the hands of Lord Grenville. I shall there- 
fore omit narrating the particulars of that incident, and 
pass on to some general account relative to it, which I re- 
ceived from Mr. Pickering, the Secretary of State." Here 
Mr. Lyman goes on to say that the British minister invited 
Mr. Wolcott to dine with him, and at that interview deliv- 
ered him the important letter. Mr. Wolcott showed the 
document to Mr. Pickering, and both agreed that it was 
absolutely necessary that the President should immediately 
return from Mount Vernon. They asked Mr. Edmund 
Randolph to write officially to the President desiring his 
return, which after some display of reluctance Mr. Ran- 
dolph did. But Mr. Pickering observing that he, Randolph, 
had said that he did not consider a return absolutely neces- 
sary, wrote himself by the same post to the President to 
the contrary. " Mr. Pickering has a good knowledge of the 
French language, and, previous to the President's return, 
gave a faithful translation of it : it is lengthy and consisted 
of many pages of manuscript. Immediately upon the Presi- 
dent's return, he convened the three secretaries and wished 
to be informed of the necessity of his presence. Accord- 
ingly they made such observations relative to the state of 
public affairs, as to give him partial satisfaction. Mr. Ran- 
dolph, being ignorant of the impending storm, had occasion 
to step to the door ; in his absence the President asked Mr. 
Pickering what was the matter. Mr. Pickering, pointing to 
the door said, 'That man is a traitor' ; immediately upon 
this, Mr. Randolph returned and took his seat, but the Presi- 
dent directed him to withdraw and take a seat in another 
room, and then Mr. Pickering presented the translation of 
Fauchet's letter to the President. After he had read it, he 
sent for Mr. Randolph and gave him the translation to read. 
After reading it, he declared he was innocent, but appeared 
exceedingly embarrassed ; his embarrassment arose either 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 261 

from conscious guilt, or from a sense of his peculiar and 
delicate situation ; he requested time for explanation, but, 
without giving it, the next morning sent in his resignation. 
He has published his vindication, but I think it will not avail 
him much; however, there is nothing in Fauchel's letter 
that will support a direct and positive charge against Ran- 
dolph, for corruptly receiving French Monies." 

The letter concludes with the following words : " This 
event," alluding to the Fauchet letter, "although disastrous 
to a few individuals, I think will be attended with salutary 
consequences. Providence has marked our Revolution with 
peculiar features, and the same distinguishing Hand still 
guides us as a nation." 

In one of these letters dated Philadelphia, P'ebruary 13, 
1796, and addressed to his wife, he writes : "Last night I 
was at Lady Washington's levee; there was a most brill- 
iant circle of ladies, some beautiful and some not, but all 
dressed extremely neat, some very elegantly, and some 
superbly rich ; they were all dressed in white silks or mus- 
lins, with trails at least a yard in length. Mrs. Washington 
always rises to every one, when they enter her drawing- 
room, or at least, as soon as they advance within about 
eight or ten feet of her, to pay their obeisance to her, she 
returns the civility with great politeness ; she is easy of 
access, and has nothing haughty and assuming in her air ; 
her figure is not elegant, but she appears like one of the 
good motherly women of New England ; at about half 
after seven, that is about half an hour after the drawing- 
room is opened, tea and coffee are served round with rich 
cakes, etc. I think I have heretofore given you some 
account of this magnificent drawing-room, with its furniture, 
its rich Turkey carpet, its pier glasses of a dozen feet in 
length, its chairs and sofas with their red and yellow dam- 
ask silk coverings, etc., etc." 

In a subsequent letter to his brother, dated May 7, 1800, 
and written near the time of his resignation of office, he 
writes as follows : " I expect to leave this city within a few 



262 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

days. The next session of Congress will be holden at the 
city of Washington, about one hundred and fifty miles south- 
west of here, and if I am then alive and well, and my family 
also well, I expect to be there; but I will assure you that I 
have got perfectly tired of this kind of business, and I do not 
design to stand candidate at the next election, although I 
have not the least doubt but that I would be elected if I 
pleased, for hitherto I always have been almost unanimously. 
But I prefer domestic life. More true happiness attends 
the small and unambitious cares which are exercised in the 
education of my children, and in the tillage of my farm. It 
is doubtful who will be chosen president ; the chances are 
greatly in favor of Mr. Jefferson, but the federal influence 
will be much exerted in favor of Mr. Adams for president, 
and of General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney for vice-presi- 
dent." 

Mr. Lyman retired from Congress in kSqo, and died in 
Springfield, Mass., June 6, 1802, in the fifty-third year of 
his age. 

We are here reminded of the following remark recorded 
in a letter of sympathy, that he wrote to his brother, on the 
occasion of the death of a beloved son of the latter : " The 
glory of human nature consists in acting well our part, and 
then it will not be material whether we are dismissed 
sooner or later." 

Since about the memory of Mr. Lyman, so warm an 
interest and affection yet linger, one concludes that his 
character was both noble and genial. Many of his descend- 
ants and relations, though looking back through the mist 
of uncertainty which ever envelops family tradition and 
associations, yet share in this loyalty and devotion to his 
memory ; and their names are linked with his throughout 
the years of three and four successive generations. 

M. F. C. 

Mr. Apollos Marsh was born in Enfield, Mass., Sep- 
tember 10, 1793. He was superintendent of the Springfield 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 263 

Cemetery from its opening in 1841 until 1869. In 1819 
he married Catharine Warriner. He died August 7, 
1869, aged "]"] years. Children : one son, three daughters. 

Mr. Charles McClallan, son of William McClallan, 
was born in Lancaster, Mass., August 11, 1803. When 
seventeen years old, in 1820, he came to Springfield and 
began to learn the trade of mason with the late Charles 
Stearns, and at the second year of his apprenticeship was 
made foreman. He soon commenced as a contractor and 
built No. 4 cotton mill at Chicopee Falls, in 1832. He 
built the mills of the Dwight Manufacturing Company, 
the shops of the Ames Manufacturing Company, and 
the dam across the Chicopee river, a large portion of the 
brick buildings at Indian Orchard, including mills, boarding 
houses, and the stone dam. In 1847, he built the masonry 
of the Hampden and Lyman cotton mills and boarding 
houses for the Hadley Falls Company in Holyoke, Mass., and 
many business blocks of that city. He built the Glasgow 
mills at South Hadley Falls, Mass., also extensive works in 
Augusta, Ga., and many public buildings in New York 
state and in other parts of the country. In 1856, he formed 
a copartnership with his son, William C, the firm being 
C. McClallan & Son. They contracted for and completed 
with entire satisfaction : water works at New Haven, Conn.; 
Windsor reservoir ; brick mill and stone dam of the Hurl- 
burt Paper Company, Lee, Mass.; the canal and stone dam 
of the Collins Paper Company, Wilbraham, Mass.; and the 
masonry of the cotton mill at that place, and a large num- 
ber of brick blocks ; the large cotton mill at Chicopee F'alls ; 
section thirteen of the Boston water works, and a large 
amount of work for the state on the Hoosac tunnel, and 
the Troy & Greenfield Railroad. The reputation of this 
firm for honest and reliable work was unquestioned. It is 
said that they built a larger number of stone dams than 
any other firm in the state, not one of which has been 
destroyed. 



264 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 






'/ l-i 



Autograph written February, iSi);. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 265 

Mr. McCIallan was the first (in 1845) to introduce 
water into Chicopee, the works having been built and 
largely owned by him. In 1876 a company was formed 
under the name of Chicopee Water Company, with a lim- 
ited capital of $75,000. A charter was granted and the 
company was organized April 8, 1877, with a capital of 
$50,000. 

In 1826 Charles McCIallan married Mabel S. Hopkins. 
She died October 22, 185 i. His second wife was Maria 
T. Allen ; she died January 19, 1878. He married for his 
third wife E. Lucinda Pease ; she died September 29, 1883. 
He died in Chicopee, June 22, 1879, aged 75 years, 10 
months, 22 days. 

Mr. Samuel McNary was born at Haddam, Conn., 
February 23, 1793. When a young man he came to Spring- 
field and secured employment at the U. S. Armory, where 
he remained for nearly forty years. He was one of the 
original members of Christ Church, and the first warden, 
holding the office for a number of years. He was a promi- 
nent Mason, and a member of the old Mechanics Associa- 
tion. In 1853-54 he was one of the assessors of the city, 
the others being Edward A. Morris and Roderick Ashley. 

On the 6th of December, 1821, he married Aurelia But- 
ler of New Hartford, Conn. She was born August 3, 1799, 
and died in Springfield, October 29, 1872. aged "Ji years, 2 
months, 26 days. He died December i, 1865, aged 72 years, 
9 months, 7 days. Children : four sons, two daughters. 
Only two are now (1893) living. 

Charles Merriam, Esq., son of Dan and Thirza Mer- 
riam of West Brookfield, Mass., was born in that town 
November 21, 1806. He was an apprentice in a printing 
office in Hartford, Conn. In 1820 he returned to West 
Brookfield and worked for his uncle and brother, they being 
in partnership under the name of E. & G. Merriam. He 
attended school at Monson Academy, and at Hadley taught 



266 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

school for a short time, and then went back to his "first 
love," and worked at printing in Philadelphia and Boston, 
and was foreman in T. R. Marvin's printing house in Bos- 
ton. In 1 83 1 he came to Springfield, at the suggestion of 
the late Dr. Samuel Osgood, and in company with his 
brother George started a printing office and bookstore in 
W. L. Wilcox & Co.'s building on State street. In 1832 
the firm of G. & C. Merriam began its business career. 
They afterwards moved to the corner of Main and State 
streets. The great amount of labor attending the revision 
of Webster's Dictionary in 1864 ("in which he read every 
word of the proof"), had greatly impaired his health; he 
however continued in business until 1877, when after forty- 
five years of service in the firm he retired. 

Mr. Merriam was noted for his liberal charities. He 
gave $5,000 for the erection of the Library building and 
often made donations of money for the purchase of books, 
and made gifts of books to the library. He was an early 
advocate of making the library free to all, and was the first 
to subscribe $5,000 to the endowment fund to enable the 
association to give the city the free use of it. He was a 
regular giver to the American Board of Foreign Missions,, 
the Home Missionary Society, and the American Mission- 
ary Association. He gave to West Brookfield her public 
library, and the library fund was his gift. He was a mem- 
ber of the City Library Association, and was a director 
from the beginning. He gave $800 to furnish books when 
the charge was $1.00 per year for the right to draw them. 

He was one of the most jDrominent supporters of the 
South Church, and gave liberally to the building fund. He 
was admitted a member of the First Church (Dr. Osgood), 
May 4, 1832, from the l^owdoin Street Church, Boston. 
At the South Church Mr. Merriam taught a large Bible 
class of young men who afterwards were among our most 
esteemed citizens. Upon the organization of the city in 
1852 he was a member of the Common Council from Ward 
three. He was a director in the Springfield Fire and 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 267 

Marine Insurance Company, and in 1849-50 a director in 
the Springfield Bank now the Second National. 

Mr. Merriam " was blessed with rare personal qualities. 
His strict integrity in all affairs of life, his social worth, his 
Christian spirit, his great benevolence, and his refined and 
pleasant ways will be long remembered by those who were 
so fortunate as to have made his acquaintance." 

His first wife was Sophia E., daughter of Col. Solomon 
Warriner. She was born June 14, 1808, and died April 
26, 1858, aged 49 years, 10 months, 12 days. Children : 
two sons, three daughters. His second wife was Mrs. 
Rachael Gray, the widow of Dr. J. H. Gray, who was killed 
at the Norwalk (Conn.) railroad bridge disaster May 6, 1853, 
at the age of 34 years. Charles Merriam died July 9, 1887, 
aged 80 years, 7 months, 18 days. 

Dea. George Merriam, oldest son of Dan and Thirza 
Merriam of West Brookfield, Mass., was born in Worcester, 
Mass., January 20, 1803. His father owned a farm in 
West Brookfield, and, in connection with his brother 
Ebenezer, carried on a small printing business. George 
worked on the farm until he was fifteen years old, and then 
went into the country store as clerk. After three months 
of service there, he told his father he did not like the busi- 
ness. He was then put as an apprentice into the printing 
office, of which his Uncle Ebenezer had charge while his 
father carried on the farm. He became so proficient in 
the office that at the age of twenty his father offered to 
give him the rest of his time until he was twenty-one years 
old, but he declined the offer, and said, "Time enough to 
be my own master when I am twenty-one." His father 
having died in 1823, before he became of age, leaving a 
widow, four sons, and three daughters, " upon him then 
fell weighty responsibilities." At this time his uncle took 
him into partnership. In August, 183 1, he came to Spring- 
field and went into business with his brother Charles under 
the firm name of G. & C. Merriam. They first located on 



268 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHAIUTANTS 




55 Chestnut street, home of C.eovge Meiriam fiotn 1S48 until his death in 18S0. 
The liouse was built in 1824-q bv Simon Sanborn for Edmund Dvvight, and was 
afterwards occupied In- Judge Cnmniings, [onatlian ])wiglit, 3d, and Horace 
Draper, who was of the linn of iJraper & ISailev. Tlie jMojection in the rear 
on the riglit of (he Iniilding was Iniilt Ijy Mr. Merriam. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGF UU.D. 



269 




^ 



)^ 



From phc)to;;raph taken iiSjS. 
Autograpli written 1878. 



Ct,^ 



2/0 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

State street (where VV. L. Wilcox & Co.'s stove store was 
for many years), as retail booksellers and printers. In 1835 
they removed to the corner of Main and State streets. 

In 1847 they bought the plates and copyrights of Noah 
Webster's large dictionary, which had not then gained a 
strong hold on the public. "The new publishers put new 
life into the work and by their great energy Webster's 
Dictionary has won a standing and appreciation rarely 
met with in standard works of the civilized world."' The 
firm were publishers of Webster's famous spelling book, 
some law books, and Bibles. Homer Merriam, a younger 
brother, was admitted a member of the publishing firm in 
1856. The late Charles O. Chapin was for a few years 
associated with them in the retail book business under the 
firm of Merriam, Chapin & Co., at the "Old Corner Store." 

Mr. Merriam was admitted to the First Church from 
the Congregational church of West Brookfield, November 6, 
1831 ; was elected deacon March 5, 1833 ; dismissed to the 
South Church in 1842, of which he was one of the founders 
and gave financial aid for its erection. He was a generous 
giver to schools and colleges. Yale and Amherst received 
many gifts from his hands. Mr. Merriam was "a sincere 
Christian, — his benevolence, his kindly nature, his childlike 
simplicity, his purity of thought and acts were traits of 
character which were ennobling to his generous spirit." 
To the Confederate home at Charleston, S. C, established 
in November, 1867, " for the care of widows and orphans 
of Confederate soldiers, he gave S2,ooo, and equipped it 
with a library and furniture." 

He married Miss Abby F. Little, of New Braintree, 
Mass. Slie died January 31, 1841, aged 33 years. Their 
children : four sons who died in early childhood, one 
daughter. His second wife was Mrs. Abby F. Spring, 
daughter of Rev. John Fiske of New Braintree, Mass. She 
died October 14, 1875, aged 63 years, 7 months, 16 days. 
Children : three sons, three daughters. Deacon Merriam 
died June 22, r88o, aged -jj years, 5 months. 



AND MAiXSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



271 



j||g^\ 




ttryyxJucOl^ 



<yrTVm^^^i^ 



Autograph written 1SV3. 



272 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Homer Mekriam, son of Dan and Thirza Merriam, of 
West Brookfield, was born August 27, 18 13. He learned 
the printer's art, and for twelve years was associated with 
his brother William in the book selling and publishing 
business in Troy, N. Y. In I.S56 he came to Springfield, 
and was made a member of the publishing firm of G. & C. 
Merriam. He is the only survivor of the three noted 
brothers. He takes an active part in the business of the 
firm in the publication of Webster's Dictionary. The fol- 
lowing cjuotation gives the " nucleus of truth" as relates to 
the work : — 

" The rudely constructed dictionary that Noah Webster's genius 
created was put into practical form through the intelligence and skill 
of the Merriams in 1847, and following closely on the change in typo- 
graphical appearance came the revisions in matter under scholars like 
Dr. Mann of Germany, Dr. Goodrich, and Prof. Porter, that made the 
work a standard in the English-speaking races. Business concentra- 
tion on this work kept it at the front, and as fast as mechanical 
changes can be made an editorial corps of leading scholars furnish the 
material for amendments to record changes in language. Much, of 
course, was due to the basis which Noah Webster laid, and a recent 
letter from President G. W. Atherton of the Pennsylvania State Col- 
lege expresses a feature of that basis. He says : — 

" ' There is one thing about the book which I have never quite under- 
stood, and that is, a kind of flavor of personality. A dictionary is 
usually thought of as a mere collection of words — detached, mechan- 
ical, colorless. But the vigorous personality of Noah Webster, not- 
withstanding the great and valuable additions to his work by subsequent 
editors, seems yet to pervade the whole, so that in consulting it one 
comes to have something of that sense of that personal touch with the 
author that is felt in reading Milton, or Shakespeare, or Scott. This 
feeling has impressed me at times very strongly, and I am inclined to 
think that herein lies, in part at least, the secret of the great popularity 
of the dictionary with the American people, as well as the surest 
guaranty that, for the great mass of readers and pupils and teachers, it 
will long continue to be what it now is, the great American dictionary 
of the English language.'" 

Hon. John Mills, son of Drake Mills, was born at 
Sandisfield, Mass., December 29, 1787. He studied for the 
legal profession in the office of Hon. John Phelps of Gran- 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



^73 




fOIlN' MILLS. 



Fr jm portrait taken iSjo- 



2/4 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

ville, Mass., who was high sheriff of the county from 1814 
to 1831. Mr. Mills was admitted to the bar in 1812, and 
soon became prominent in his chosen profession. He was 
an honorary graduate of Williams College, receiving the 
degree of master of arts in 1823. He moved from his 
native town and settled in Southwick, where he married 
the only daughter of Col. Enos Foot. 

Mr. Mills was elected a member of the Massachusetts 
Senate in 1823-24-25-26-27, and 1842, and was chosen 
president of the Senate in 1826-27, over which he presided 
with dignity and impartiality. In 1826 he was appointed 
a commissioner to settle the boundary line between Massa- 
chusetts and Connecticut. He was a candidate for the 
United States Senate in 1827, in opposition to Daniel 
Webster. In 1826, while a member of the Senate in the 
Legislature of Massachusetts, he introduced a bill for the 
relief of poor debtors, for the purpose of abolishing" impris- 
onment for debt. The bill passed with but little oppo- 
sition. In 1835 he was postmaster at Southwick, under 
the administration of President Andrew Jackson, but 
resigned, and was appointed and held the office of 
United States district attorney for Massachusetts, from 
1835 to 1840. He removed to Springfield from South- 
wick in 1836, and resided on Howard street. Ten years 
after he bought (in 1846) the old " Hampden House," 
furnished, for $26,000. He was state treasurer of Massa- 
chusetts for the year 1843, and the second president 
of the Hampden County Agricultural Society, which was 
chartered in 1848. He presided at a meeting held in the old 
town hall on State street, June, 1844, to ratify the nomina- 
tion of James K. Polk for president of the United States. 
In 1842 he was appointed one of the commissioners for 
settling the northeastern boundary line between the United 
States (Maine) and Canada, in the settlement of which he 
displayed marked ability. Mr. Mills presided over the 
F"ree-soil convention held in Boston, September. 1848, in 
which he was nominated for lieutenant governor on the 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 2/5 

Free-soil ticket, and Stephen C. Phillips for governor. He 
was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representa- 
tives in 1851. In 1855 he was president of the Hampden 
Mutual Fire Insurance Company. 

Mr. Mills was one of the vice-presidents of the 
" Berkshire (County) Jubilee" held in Pittsfield, August, 
1844, on which occasion he spoke with much enthusiasm 
of the attractions of Berkshire and of the benefits to be 
derived from this spontaneous gathering of her children. 

This incident is related in regard to Mr. Mills in 1824, 
then a member of the Senate, when General La Fayette* was 
visiting this country, and the two branches of the Legisla- 
ture joined together to receive him at the State House. In 
passing along, shaking hands with every member, when 
the General reached Mr. Mills he stopped, and glanced at 
the bald head of the youngest member of the Senate, and 
extending both hands, with intense gaze and joyous fea- 
tures, took both Mr. Mills's hands in his own, and shaking 
them with sincere afifection, exclaimed with much warmth : 
" J/j' dear friend. I recollect yon in the Revolution!' 

Mr. Mills built the fine mansion on Crescent Hill, now 
the residence of John B. Stebbins, Esq. He died in Spring- 
field, September 8, 1861, in the 74th year of his age. 
Children : three sons, one daughter, Mrs. R. G. Shurtleff, 
the only one now living. 

Mr. Albert Morgan was born in Groton, Conn., 
in 1789. When a young man he came to Springfield and 
engaged in business on the " Hill " with Elisha S. Avery. 
About the year 1826 he moved down town. On the elec- 
tion of Andrew Jackson president in i<S2S, he was appointed 
postmaster of Springfield, and held the office eight years. 



♦General La Fayette on returning to France after his visit to tliis country in 1S24, directed 
his agent in New York to have shipped to liim at Havre, from Boston or New York, a hogs- 
head of earth from Bunker Hill battle ground as he desired to have it placed over his body at his 
decease. The request was complied with : the earth was taken from near the spot where 
General Warren fell, and the shipment was accompanied by a certificate signed by three of the 
oldest veteran soldiers of the Revolution in Charlestown, Mass., the selectmen of that town 
having been requested to have the above wish carried out, which was done in 1829. 



276 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

from 182910 1837. On the election of Martin Van Buren 
president in 1836, he was retained in office, and served dur- 
ing his term, from 1837 to 1841. Mr. Morgan was one of 
the first nine directors of the Agawam Bank, which was 
organized in 1846, and its president from 1850 to i860. 
He was the first president of the Hampden Savings Bank, 
organized in 1852, and remained in office until 1856. He 
was one of the first board of ten directors of the Spring- 
field Fire and Marine Insurance Company, which was 
organized in 185 i. 

He died September 24, i860, aged 62 years. His death 
was caused by being thrown down and run over by a horse 
and sleigh on Main street, and from the injuries then 
received he never fully recovered. His wife, Lucy, died 
September 4, 1869, aged 71 years, 5 months. 

Edward Aloxzo Morris, Esq., son of Edward and 
Lucy (Bliss) Morris, was born at South Wilbraham, Mass., 
March 14, 1801. Early in life he removed to Springfield, 
and entered the employ of Moses Bliss, merchant on State 
street, where the Listitution for Savings building stands. 
After attaining his majority he formed a partnership with 
Samuel Raynolds under the firm of Raynolds & Morris 
and engaged in the dry goods business, and for twenty-five 
years or more they were among the prominent merchants 
of the town. About the year 1848 they retired from the 
trade. Mr. Morris was for nine years a director in the old 
Springfield Bank (now Second National) and was elected 
its president in 1856 and held the office nearly three years. 
He was a member of the board of assessors for several 
years, 1853-54-55-56-57. 

He was one of the founders of the South Church Soci- 
ety, and took a prominent part in its affairs and extended 
much financial aid for its support. A citizen of sterling 
worth and purity of character. He died after a short but 
severe illness September 2, 1858, aged 57 years, 5 months, 
19 days. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 2/7 

Hon. and Judge Henry Morris, son of Oliver B. and 
Caroline (Hliss) Morris, was born in Springfield, Mass., 
June i6, 1814. He went to the academy at Monson, Mass., 
afterwards entered Amherst College, where he graduated in 
1832. He studied law in the office of his father, and took 
a course at the Harvard Law School. He was admitted to 
the bar in 1835. In 1845-46 he was a selectman of the town 
and chairman of the board. In 1852, when the town was 
organized as a city, he was elected a councilman from Ward 
four, and was chosen president of the Common Council. In 
1853 he was again elected to the Council, was chosen its 
president, but on the i6th of May resigned the office. He 
represented the town in the Legislature in 1846-47. In 
1854-55 he was a trustee of the hospital for the insane at 
Worcester. In November, 1854, he was elected to the 34th 
Congress by the American or " Know-nothing" party, but 
resigned before taking his seat on account of having been 
appointed by Gov. Henry J. Gardner, judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas, which office he held until the reorganization 
(in 1859) of tl""^ courts of the state. In 1854 he was made a 
trustee of Amherst College. In 1869 the college conferred 
upon him the degree of doctor of laws. He was a member of 
the Massachusetts Historical Society and of the New Eng- 
land Historical and Genealogical Society. He was the 
first chairman of the Connecticut Valley Historical 
Society, and on its formation in 1876 he was chosen its 
president. On the 22d of June, 1875, he delivered an 
address on the history of the First Church of Springfield. 
On the 1 6th of October, the same year, he delivered an 
address upon the 200th anniversary of the burning of the 
town by the Indians. Both of the addresses were pub- 
lished in book form. He was a valued contributor and 
furnished many historical articles on "Old Springfield," 
which were published by the Connecticut Valley Historical 
Society in 1881. Among the articles which he wrote were 
" Old Main Street Gaol and House of Correction," " Old 
Pynchon Fort and its Builders," " The Old Whipping 



278 



SK.KTCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




Home of Judge Oliver B. Morris. This house stood on what is now Temple 
street near its entrance to Maple. Judge Morris bought the property of Silas W. 
Searle in iSii ; the Iiouse had been erected a few years before upon what was 
called the " Prison lot," taking its name from the tact that the old jail which was 
burned in colonial times was located there. The lot was eight rods wide and 
e.xtended east to what is now Myrtle street. In 1872 the house was moved to 
Winthrop street, and is now occupied by Ariel Ladd. 



A.VD MANSIONS OF SPKINGl- lELD. 



279 




Autograpli written Aiij;usi J4, 1S30. 



280 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Post and Stocks," "Slavery in the Connecticut Valley," 
" Elizur Holyoke," and " Miles Morgan." He was a direc- 
tor in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company 
from October 7, 1872, until his death. His last public 
appearance was his able historical address on the 24th of 
May, 1886, on the 250th anniversary of the settlement of 
Springfield. 

He was admitted a member of the First Church (Rev. 
Dr. Osgood) in July, 1833, and was deacon from 1867 to 
1883, when he resigned. Judge Morris was a safe counselor 
and was candid and impartial in the discharge of his official 
duties. It was said of him that he had drawn more wills 
than any other lawyer in Hampden county, and it was a 
current joke in Wilbraham that "no man there was willing 
to die, unless he knew that Henry Morris would be the 
lawyer to settle his estate." 

May 16, 1837, he married Mary Warriner, daughter of 
Col. Solomon Warriner. She was born February 11, 1814, 
and died January 21, 1892, aged 77 years, 11 months, 10 
days. 

Judge Morris died June 4, 1888, aged 73 years, 11 
months, 19 days. Children : five sons, two daughters. 

Hon. and Judge Oliver Bliss Morris, son of Edward 
and Lucy (Bliss) Morris, was born in South Wilbraham, 
Mass., September 22, 1782. He prepared for college under 
the tuition of Rev. Moses Warren, of his native town. In 
1797, at the age of fifteen, he entered Williams College. 
He graduated in 1801, and soon after came to Springfield, 
and studied law with the Hon. George Bliss, Sr., one of 
the ablest lawyers in the Connecticut valley. Mr. Morris 
was admitted to the bar of Hampshire county in 1804, and 
after an active practice of his profession for over thirty 
years he retired in 1835. 

December 8, 181 7, he became a member of the First 
Church. While a student at law in the office of Mr. Bliss, 
also living with him, in 18 13 he married his daughter, 



A\D MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 2(Sl 

Caroline Bliss. She died February 9, 1842, aged 50 years. 
After the formation of Hampden county from Hampshire 
in 18 1 2, he was appointed j^rosecuting attorney. In 181 3 
he was appointed register of probate and remained in office 
until May 17, 1829, when, on the death of Judge John 
Hooker, he was appointed his successor, and held the office 
until May, 1858. From 1820 to 1832, he was county attor- 
ney. During the years 1809-10-11 and 1813, he repre- 
sented the town of Springfield in the Legislature. In 1820 
he was a member of the convention called to revise the Con- 
stitution of the Commonwealth. He delivered the address 
at the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the settle- 
ment of Springfield, May 24, 1836. He was a member 
of the Massachusetts Historical Society and of the New 
England Historical and Genealogical Society. He served 
as selectman of the town in 1827-28-29. 

He was familiar with the early history of Springfield and 
its old families. In 1847 he wrote a series of interesting 
local reminiscences, which were published in the Springfield 
Gazette. It is to be regretted that he did not put the matter 
in book form for better preservation and convenience. 

Judge Morris always took a prominent and active part 
in the affairs of the town. At the town meetings, on all 
important matters, he was always heard with great attention. 
His clear voice and easy flow of pure Saxon, his sturdy 
bearing and convincing arguments, bore results which were 
generally admitted to be for the best interests of the town. 
On the occasion of distinguished men visiting Springfield, 
he was properly selected for the speech of welcome. He 
introduced John Ouincy Adams (president from 1825 to 
1829), to the large assemblage of people in the First Church, 
and was chosen to welcome I lenry Clay at the reception 
given him at the old town hall on State street. 

His father served in the Revolutionary War, most of the 
time in Canada, and was with the army under General 
Thomas on its retreat from Quebec in 1776. His mother 
was a daughter of Col. John Bliss (Wilbraham), of the First 



282 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Hampshire County Regiment, who served in Westchester 
county, N. Y. 

Judge Morris died April 9, 1 871, in the 89th year of his 
age. Children : two sons. 

Richard Darius Morris, Esq., son of Edward and 
Lucy (Bliss) Morris, was born in South Wilbraham, Mass., 
August 30. 1797. He studied for the profession of law, and 
was admitted to the bar in 1822, and in a few years formed 
a partnership with his brother. Judge Oliver B. Morris, under 
the name of O. B. & R. D. Morris. In 1837 he retired 
from the practice of law, and accepted a position as agent 
of the Western Railroad (now Boston & Albany) to procure 
for them the right of way, and to settle land damages, dur- 
ing the construction of the road, and to do the business of 
the office. After the completion of the road he was made 
general agent for the purchasing of wood for the use of its 
engines, etc. He is said to have measured about 1,500,000 
cords of wood during his service of over thirty years. 

In 1836 he was a representative from Springfield in 
the Legislature, and engineered the bill for a charter to 
the Western Railroad. Served in cavalry regiment, First 
Brigade, Fourth Division, Mass. Vol. Militia. Commis- 
sioned paymaster November 23, 1824, division quartermas- 
ter January 19, 1827. Discharged August 14, 1829. 

He was admitted a member of the First Congregational 
Church January i, 1832. September 10, 1828, he married 
Sybil Pease (she died November 22, 185 1), daughter of 
Daniel Bontecou of Springfield, "a descendant of Pierre 
Bontecou of New York, a Huguenot refugee from Lyons, 
France, on the revocation of the Edict of Nantes." Mr. 
Morris died suddenly June 21, 1870, in his 73d year. Chil- 
dren : two sons, two daughters. 

Mr. Edward F. Moseley, son of Nathaniel and Electa 
(Buckland) Moseley, was born in East Windsor, Conn., 
December 7, 1807. The family soon after moved to Spring- 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 283 

field. When at an early age he went to New York city and 
for a year or two was employed as a clerk. Returning to 
Springfield he accepted a position with his brother, Nathan- 
iel B. Moseley, and drove stage between Springfield and 
Lowell. He afterwards purchased the hotel on the " Hill," 
known as the Eagle Hotel, which he carried on for several 
years, and then opened a hotel in William L. Wilcox & 
Co.'s block on State street (lately their stove store), and 
afterwards moved to Walnut street, where he kept a livery 
and boarding stable, and started an omnibus line. He had 
the first omnibus in Springfield, which ran from the corner 
of State and Walnut streets to the Massasoit House, also 
ran a stage to Rockville, Conn. He was for a few years in 
the provision business with the late Albert W. Allen. He 
was a member of the House of Representatives in 185 i, an 
alderman from W^ard five in 1854, and a member ot the 
Common Council in 1855-56. Upon the organization of 
the John Hancock Bank in May, 1850, he was one of the 
nine directors chosen. 

He married Eliza Van Horn, daughter of Ruel Van 
Horn of Cabotville (now Chicopee). She died December 
25, 1868, aged 59 years. Mr. Moseley died March 10, 1864, 
aged 56 years. Children : three sons, one daughter. 

Mr. Nathaniel Moseley was a descendant of John 
Moseley, who came from England and settled in Dorches- 
ter, Mass., about the year 1630. The family remained 
there until near the time of Nathaniel's birth, which 
occurred June 20, 1771, at Hampton, Conn., " Chaplin 
Society." They lived in East Windsor, Conn., until near 
the year 181 3 or 1814, when he removed to Springfield, and 
purchased about forty acres of land " on the plains" about 
one and a quarter miles east of the Armory, on the north side 
of the " Boston road " extending east beyond Carlisle brook, 
north nearly to the "Bay road," and west beyond the 
present location of Courtland street, on which was a 
spacious house. About the yean 825 the house was moved 



284 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

to its present location on State street, opposite the Armory 
grounds, and was afterwards used and known as the " Eagle 
Hotel," and the headquarters of a stage line to Lowell and 
Norwich, Conn, Mr. Moseley was employed at the U. S. 
Armory as a gunstocker. 

He married Electa Buckland July 14, 1796, daughter of 
Alexander and Sarah Buckland, born December 18, 1778. 
She died March 23, 1848, aged 69 years. Mr. Moseley 
died September 26, 1854, aged 83 years. Children : six 
sons, four daughters. Now living (1893) : Albert Moseley, 
Coloma, Cal. ; Mrs. Sophia M. Buckland, Springfield ; and 
Alexander Moseley, Boston. 

Mr. Nathaniel Buckland Moseley, hotel keeper and 
merchant, son of Nathaniel and Electa (Buckland) Moseley, 
was born September 3, 1801. Soon after he had passed 
his twenty-fourth year, he became landlord of the Eagle 
Tavern on State street, opposite the Armory grounds, and 
was proprietor of stage lines to Lowell, Mass., and to 
Norwich, Conn. He moved to Philadelphia about the 
year 1841, where he engaged in business as a wholesale 
wine and liquor merchant, and during the California " gold 
fever" in 1847 was agent for and chartered vessels and 
freighted them with merchandise for that region. 

He married first Mary F. Richards, daughter of Thomas 
Richards of Hardwick, Mass. She died September 21, 
1834, aged 29 years. Children: Dr. Nathaniel Richards 
Moseley, who died in New York city February 11, 1889 ; 
Mary, who was the wife of Cyrus Kellogg, and died in 
1889 ; Maria Sophia, wife of William Henri Turner, who 
died September 29, 1855 ; and Thomas Richards Moseley, 
who died January 26, 1886. He married for a second wife 
Maria Worthington, daughter of Dea. Amos Worthington 
of Agawam, Mass. She died May i, 185 i, aged 41 years. 
Children : Elizabeth Worthington Moseley and Edward 
Buckland Moseley, a surgeon in the U. S. Army, now 
stationed at Washington, D. C, and Lucy Haley, who died 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 285 

in infancy November i, 1850. His third wife was Martha 
Stewart of Mount Holly, N. J. She was born about 183 1. 
Mr. Moseley died in Philadelphia, July 24, 1884, aged 
Sy years. 

Mr. Silas Mosman, Sr., son of Silas and I^eulah Mos- 
man, was born in Northboro, Mass., in 1790. He came to 
Chicopee in 1834, and soon after entered the service of the 
Ames Manufacturing Company, where he was a superior 
worker in bronze. The Crawford bronze door in the east 
portico of the Senate extension of the Capitol at Washing- 
ton and other works are creditable to his masterly hand. 
He was a member of the House of Representatives from 
Springfield in 1841, and was one of the selectmen of the 
town of Chicopee. 

He died in Chicopee May 29, 1834. aged 64 vears, 5 
months, 8 days. His wife, Betsey Goodall, died May 27, 
1859. 

Mr. Apollos Munn, son of John and Lucy Munn, was 
born in Springfield, October 3, 181 5. He learned the 
printer's trade and served a portion of his apprenticeship 
under Abraham G. Tannatt in the Haiiif den Journal o^qq. 
On the 26th of May, 1841, he commenced a weekly news- 
paper named the Independent Devioerat. It was published 
in Gunn's block, on the "Hill." Having obtained a posi- 
tion in the Boston custom house he sold his j^aper to Elijah 
Ashley in September, 1843. He supported President John 
Tyler and his administration through his paper. Having 
been discharged from the custom house by Marcus Morton, 
the collector, he returned to Springfield, and on the 2d of 
August, 1845, started a paper which he called the Hauipde)i 
Statesman, and continued it until P'ebruary i, 1847, when it 
was joined to the Hampden Post. His devotion and alli- 
ance to the John Tyler administration won him a place in 
the custom house then under the collectorship of Robert 
Rantoul, Jr. He received the appointment of publisher of 



286 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

the United States laws during his proprietorship of the 
States7iia)i. 

He married Miss Ahnira L. Goff of Westfield, Mass. 
She died October 5, 1846, aged 31 years. He had a son 
(Curtis) by this marriage. His second wife was a Miss 
Carlton. Mr. Munn died April 13, 185 i, aged 36 years, 6 
months. 

Gen. Alpheus Nettleton was born in New Hamp- 
shire in 1799. At an early age he was left an orphan, and 
was brought up in the family of Deacon Worthington, who 
lived in West Springfield, or in a neighboring parish. 
He worked nights turning broom handles, in order to earn 
money to pay for the little schooling he got, which was 
also at night. He became a contractor and builder, re- 
siding partly in Chicopee Falls, and partly in Springfield. 
He operated a planing mill, which was on the corner of 
Spring and Lyman streets — the ground now occupied by 
the Gilbert & Barker Manufacturing Company. The power 
was obtained from Garden brook by building a dam about 
on the east line of Spring street to the railroad embank- 
ment, which gathered an abundance of water, which was 
conducted across and under Spring street by a canal to the 
water wheel. This project bore the name of "Columbian 
mills." 

He was a member of the House of Representatives from 
Springfield in 1837 and 1838, and from Chicopee in 1851 
and 1852. General Nettleton held every rank in the state 
militia from private to major general. He was commis- 
sioned ensign October 7, 1822; lieutenant, June 24, 1824 ; 
captain, June 17, 1825; lieutenant colonel, January i, 1829; 
brigadier general, August 20, 1838, Springfield Light Infan- 
try, First Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division, Mass. 
Vol. Militia; major general March 15, 1843, Third Divis- 
ion Mass. Vol. Militia ; discharged as lieutenant colonel 
June I, 1831 ; discharged as brigadier general April 24, 
1840 ; discharged as major general, January 30, 1847. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



287 




This fine old mansion was No. 54 Maple street, and was built by Samuel Orne, 
Esq., in 1818-19, ^"^1 he lived in it until his death in 1S30. Mr. John A. Taintor, 
of Ilaitford, Conn., resided there for a short time. William W. Orne, Esq., then 
became the owner of the house. He died in 18^2. Mrs. Orne remained in the 
house for a time afterwards, when, in 1S45, Benjamin Day bought the property and 
resided there until his death in 1872; his daughter, P\inny D. Day, then occupied 
the house for a few years ; she died in April, 18S1. The property afterwards came 
into the ))ossession of Rev. Thomas H. Skinner, of Chicago, sonin-lawof Mr. Day. 
The late Dr. Nathan Adams resided there a few years. Ephraim W. Bond, Esq., 
was the last occupant of the house. In 1890 the property was sold to George W. 
Tapley. He afterwards sold it to Mr. D. B. Wesson, who caused the structure to 
be demolished to make way for the erection of an elegant chateau upon the grounds. 



288 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




SAMUEL ORNE. 



From a painting by Chester Harding 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 289 

General Nettleton was a member of the Second Congre- 
gational Church at Chicopee Falls, and a consistent Chris- 
tian, of a generous nature, an active and public-spirited 
citizen. 

September i, 1825, he married Deborah Williams Bel- 
cher, daughter of Benjamin Belcher. General Nettleton 
died in Chicopee Falls, September 9, 1868, aged 69 years, 5 
months. Children : two sons, one daughter. 

Hon. Samuel Orne, son of Capt. William Orne, was 
born in Salem, Mass., January 30, 1786. He entered 
Harvard College, and graduated in 1804. He studied for 
the profession of law, and became a prominent lawyer. 
He came to Springfield, where he settled, and in 18 18-19 
built the fine mansion on Maple street recently torn down 
(1890). May 27, 1818, he was one of the fifty-four peti- 
tioners to the Legislature to grant an act of incorporation 
as the Second Society (Unitarian) of the First Parish in 
Springfield, and was one of the thirty-eight subscribers 
(January 5, 18 19) to the fund for the permanent support of 
a minister for the society, to which he gave $2,500. He 
was the first treasurer of the society, 18 19, and was chosen 
in 1820-21 and again in 1830. 

May 4, 1809, he married Lucinda Dwight Howard, 
daughter of Rev. Dr. Bezaleel Howard. She was born 
August 27, 1786, and died October 19, 1828, aged 42 years. 
Mr. Orne died very suddenly July 28, 1830, aged 44 years, 
6 months. He was a gentleman of fine presence, tall, and 
of a dignified bearing. Children : one son and one daugh- 
ter. 

William Wetmore Orne, Eso , merchant, son of Hon. 
Samuel and Lucinda (Dwight) Orne, was born June 27, 
181 1. About the year 1832 he formed a copartnership 
with Capt. Luther Spencer, and engaged in the china, 
glass, and crockery business, under the firm name of 
Luther Spencer & Co., having a store on Main street 



290 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




WILLIAM W. ORNE. 



From a painting by William S. Elwell. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 29I 

where the Savings Bank building stands. After a few 
years — April 13, 1836— the partnership was dissolved. He 
was afterwards in partnership with Henry Smith in the 
dry goods trade for several years, under the firm of Smith 
& Orne. They dissolved July i, 1844. He was a director 
in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from 
October 3, 1842, to October 2, 1843. From April, 1841, 
to April, 1843, he was clerk of the Unitarian society, suc- 
ceeding James Wells. 

May 6, 1834, he married Lucy Gassett Dvvight, daugh- 
ter of James Scutt and Mary (Sanford) Dwight. She was 
born January 20, 1817, died April 17, 1887, aged 70 years. 

William Orne died April 29, 1852, aged 41 years. 
Children : two sons, William Wetmore, who died in 1862, 
and James Dwight, now of Philadelphia ; one daughter, 
Lucinda Howard, now Mrs. Dwight Holland of Springfield. 

Rev. Dk. Samuel Osgood, son of James Osgood of 
Fryeburg, Me., was born February 3, 1784. He graduated 
from Dartmouth College in 1805, read theology at Dorches- 
ter, and studied at Princeton College, N. J. In 1806 he 
was licensed to preach, and on coming to Springfield he 
became pastor of the l^^irst Congregational Church, being 
ordained on the 25lh of January, 1809. He was the active 
pastor and preacher for forty-five years. In June, 181 5, a 
petition of members and other persons who were not sat- 
isfied with his teachings was presented to the Legislature, 
" representing that the tenor of his ministrations had 
changed since he preached as a candidate, and praying 
for an act of incorporation as the Second Society of the 
Parish of Springfield." The petition was signed by fifty- 
four persons, among whom were the Dwights, Howards, 
Blisses, Stebbinses, Lombards, and other members of 
prominent families of the town. The majority of the 
parish, however, were with Dr. Osgood. Rev. Dr. How- 
ard, Dr. Osgood's predecessor, " did earnest work to pre- 
vent a division of the society," but a separation was made. 



292 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INIIABITANTS 




DR. SAMUEL OSGOOD. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 293 

and the Unitarian society was formed, and on the 17th of 
July, 1820, the Rev. William B. O. Peabody was formally 
chosen pastor of the church. Rev. Dr. Howard became a 
member of the new society. Dr. Osgood was a member 
of the school committee in 1856-5 7-5 (S-59-60-6 1-62. 
He stated in a sermon which he delivered in 1849 
that during the forty years of his pastorate now past he 
had been detained from the house of worship but one Sab- 
bath, and a half day in two others. He retired from active 
duty November 15, 1854. 

Dr. Osgood was an active member of the Hampden 
Lodge of Freemasons and its chaplain for many years, 
and was the first high priest of Morning Star Chapter of 
Royal Arch Masons which was instituted September 15, 
1817. When the parish meetings were held in the old 
l^arish house which stood on the east side of Market street, 
on one occasion during the service the doctor's attention 
was called to some noise like that of some one snoring. 
He asked, " Who's asleep .'' " and was told that it came from 
some ducks in the cellar. (There was usually more or less 
water in the cellar, as the writer well remembers when a 
boy, the land on which the building stood being a part of 
" Hasseky marsh.") Still hearing the noise, he said, 
" Some one is asleep." All being quiet he continued the 
service, but again stopped, and then said, " Will some one 
rouse that young man up there in the gallery.''" On 
awaking him, he proved to be Ins ozun sou. One day, 
when the Merriams kept the old corner bookstore, which 
used to be the headquarters for some of the old residents 
to discuss news of the day, a stranger appeared on the 
scene, and asked, " Could any of you gentlemen tell me 
where I can find Christ Church .' " (The Episcopal 
Church on State street was in its infancy then.) Dr. 
Osgood being present replied in his brusque manner, 
" Christ Church ! Christ Church ! there are a number of 
them in town, which particular one do you want .^ " when 
an explanation was made. As grand chaplain he pro- 



294 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

nounced the benediction at the inauguration of the statue 
of General Warren by the Bunker Hill Monument Asso- 
ciation June 17, 1857. 

It is related that one day as the doctor was driving a 
hog into a pen the beast suddenly turned around and ran 
against him throwing him down, when the doctor spoke 
out quickly, " You contrary brute ! I don't see what Noah 
^took you into the ark for, I wouldn't." He subscribed one 
hundred dollars to the fund for the purchase of the land 
now Court Square. 

April 15, 1809, he married Mary Sherburne of Frye- 
burg, Me. She was born June 12, 1784; died June 30, 
1 87 1, aged 87 years. Dr. Osgood died December 8, 1862, 
aged yS years, 10 months. Children : four sons, six 
daughters. Now living, James H. Osgood of New York, 
Edward S. Osgood of Cambridge, Mass., Mrs. Jonathan 
Hunt of Oakland, Cal., and Mrs. Sarah O. Avery of Spring- 
field. 

Frederick Adolphus Packard, Esq., son of Rev. Asa 
Packard, was born in Marlboro, Mass., September 25, 1794. 
He entered Harvard College, and graduated in 18 14. He 
studied for the profession of law at Northampton, Mass., 
and afterwards moved to Springfield, where he practiced 
from 1 8 19 to 1828. He was justice of peace for many 
years. May 7, 1826, he and his wife were admitted mem- 
bers of the First Congregational Church (Rev. Samuel 
Osgood). In 1829 he removed to Philadelphia, and became 
recording secretary of the American Sunday-school Union, 
until 1867, and was editor of its publications, and also of 
the periodicals of the society, the Sunday-school Joiirjial, 
Youth' s Friend, and Child's World. He was for twenty-one 
years the editor of t\\Q Journal of Prisoji Discipline, pub- 
lished in Philadelphia. 

He wrote much for the daily papers and several maga- 
zines, especially the Princeton Reviezo. In 1853-54 he was 
one of the fifteen directors of Girard College, and was 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 295 

highly esteemed in that board of prominent Philadelphians. 
Mr. Packard was "possessed of a fine physical consti- 
tution, a mind of great degree of activity, and was practi- 
cal in his tastes and habits." May 15. 1822, he married 
Elizabeth Dwight Hooker, daughter of Judge John and 
Sarah (Dwight) Hooker of Springfield. She was born 
February 16, 1798, and died at Philadelphia, July 15, 1862, 
aged 64 years. Mr. Packard died November 11, 1867, aged 
73 years. His death was caused by a cancer in the under 
lip. Children : four sons, one daughter. 

Capt. Edmund Palmer was born in West Springfield, 
Mass., January i, 1795. Early in life he went to Ohio and 
engaged in boating on the Maumee river. Peing taken ill 
he returned home, and on his recovery he entered the 
employ of John Cooley, who was proprietor of a transporta- 
tion line between Springfield and Hartford. He was chief 
manager of the line and was a member of the firm of John 
Cooley & Co., and was for about ten years captain of the 
steamboat John Cooley, which was built about the year 
183 1. In 1846 he sold his interest in the line to the Hart- 
ford & New Haven Railroad Company, and soon after 
engaged in the grain and coal trade, having bought out 
James B. Robb, who had commenced the business about 
the year 1838. For several years Mr. Roderick Ashley was 
a partner with Mr. Palmer under the firm name of E. Pal- 
mer & Co. In 1836 Captain Palmer was a representative 
from Springfield to the General Court at Boston, and in 
1853 a member of the Common Council from Ward four. 
He was a member of the First Congregational Church 
(Rev. Samuel Osgood) for nearly thirty years, from July, 

1835- 

He married Betsey Colton, born July 28, 1800, died 
September 27, 1885, aged 85 years. He died October 14, 
1864, in the 70th year of his age, a much respected and 
honorable citizen. Children : two daughters, deceased. 



296 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




Zenas Parsons' Tavern, 72 West Court street, formerlv stood near the soutli- 
east corner of Court Square. It was moved to its present location about the year 
1819, and is now occupied as a tenement house. General Washington lodged one 
night in this house when on a visit to New England, October 21, 1789. John 
Adams, on his return to Massachusetts from the sittings of Congress at Philadelphia 
in 1775 passed through Springfield in November, and dined at this tavern, where 
Captain Pynchon, Mr. Bliss, and Colonel Worthington came to see him. Mr. 
Adams thus speaks of the latter : " Worthington* behaved decently and politely, 
said he was in hopes we should have staid the Sabbath in town, and he should 
have had the pleasure of waiting on us, etc." 



*" He was a moderate adherent of the government." 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 297 

Landlord Zenas Parsons was born in 1740. He 
kept the inn before and after the Revolutionary War known 
as " Parsons Tavern," which stood on Court Square near 
the southeast corner, by " Meeting House lane," now Elm 
street. 

It is related, that on Sundays in the winter time the folks 
who went to the old F"irst Church brought their foot stoves 
with them, and, before entering, used to go into the bar- 
room of this tavern and replenish them with live hickory 
coals, from the blazing fire which was always kept ready 
for their use. 

General Washington * arrived in Springfield on the 21st 
of October, 1789, on a visit to New England, and lodged in 
this house. About the year 1818 this tavern was moved to 
West Court street, where it now stands, having been bought 
by Col. Ithamar Goodman and Capt. George Gardner. 
Mr. Parsons and Abigail, his wife, became members of the 
First Congregational Church (Rev. Robert Breck) April 
2, 1769. 

Mr. Parsons died in a fit November 19, 181 8, in the 78th 
year of his age. 

Rev. Dr. William Bourn Oliver Peabodv, son of 
Oliver Peabodv, was born in Exeter, N. H., April 9, 1799. 
At the age of nine years he was placed by his father at the 
academy in Atkinson, N. H., and lived in the family of the 
Rev. Stephen Peabody, a relative, where he remained for a 
few months. In the autumn of 1808 he was admitted to 
the academy at Exeter, N. H. He entered Harvard Col- 
lege as a member of the sophomore class in the autumn of 
1813. He graduated in 1816, when he received his first 
degree. After leaving college he became assistant instruc- 
tor in the academy at Exeter, where he remained for a year. 



* This incident is related by Mrs. Zebina Stebbins : When General Washington crossed 
the Connecticut river at " Ferry lane," now Cypress street, a young woman who was in the 
upper room of a house took a sheet from a bed that she was putting in order, and hastily waved 
it from a window, as the General passed by. 



298 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




WILLIAM B. O. PEAIJODV 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 299 

and then went to Harvard " to pursue his theological stud- 
ies under Dr. Ware, the Hollis Professor of Divinity.'' 
After a three years' course he began, in 1819, his work as 
a preacher, and in the same year he accepted a call from 
the Unitarian society in Springfield, then just organized, 
and was ordained its minister on the 12th day of October, 
1820, and continued until his decease, for nearly twenty- 
seven years, the beloved and revered pastor. 

In 1835 he edited the "Springfield Collection of Hymns 
for sacred worship." In 1843 he wrote the life of James 
Oglethorpe. He was the author of a life of Alexander 
Wilson, Cotton Mather, and Daniel Brainerd, and wrote for 
" Sparks' American Biography." 

He was appointed by Gov. Edward Everett, one of the 
commissioners of the Massachusetts Zoological Survey to 
carry out the act of the Legislature passed in 1837 for a 
survey of the state in the several branches of science. Dr. 
Peabody was selected to prepare a report upon the birds of 
the commonwealth. In 1839 the report was completed 
and published. Dr. Peabody's knowledge of birds and their 
habits was well known. This report was a masterly piece 
of work, his delineation of birds was marvelous, so lifelike 
their plumage, and so natural in color, that they had all the 
appearance of reality. 

He was a contributor to the Nortli American Reviezv, 
and Christian Examiner. In July, 1846, he delivered a dis- 
course before the alumni of the Divinity School at Harvard 
College. 

Dr. Peabody was the first to suggest the location of the 
Springfield Cemetery, and in connection with the late Ches- 
ter Harding and George Eaton contributed more than any 
other person to laying out and beautifying the grounds. 
He delivered the address at its consecration September 5, 
1841, and was the first president, filling the office until his 
death in 1847. In Springfield Cemetery stands a Gothic 
monument which bears the following inscription in refer- 
ence to Rev. Dr. Peabody : — 



300 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

" Erected by citizens of Springfield in grateful recogni- 
tion of his services in securing for them this beautiful rest- 
ing place for their dead." 

September 8, 1824, he married Elizabeth Amelia White, 
daughter of Moses White, Esq., of Lancaster, N. H. She 
died October 4, 1843, aged 44 years. 

Dr. Peabody died May 28, 1847, in the 48th year of his 
age. Children : four sons ; one daughter, Frances B., who 
died in 1844 aged 18 years; now living (1893), Frank H. 
and Oliver W., bankers, firm of Kidder, Peabody & Co., 
and William B. O. Peabody, architect, all of Boston. 

Capt. Joseph Pease, a farmer and merchant, was 
born May 9, 1775. When a young man he taught school 
during the winter months. In 1820 he formed a partner- 
ship with Stephen C. Bemis, who had been his clerk, hav- 
ing a store on Chicopee street. Captain Pease was a 
justice of the peace for many years, a member of the board 
of selectmen of Springfield in 18 17, 1820, and 1824, and a 
member of the House of Representatives in the Legisla- 
ture in 1814-15, 1833-34. He was commissioned lieuten- 
ant First Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division, Mass. 
Volunteer Militia, May 5, 1807 ; captain July 20, 1812; 
discharged April 24. 181 5. He was a member and deacon 
of the First Congregational Society, Chicopee street, which 
was organized in 1752. 

April 21, 1799, he married Bethia Erato Chapin, daugh- 
ter of Captain Phineas and Sabrina (Wright) Chapin of 
Springfield. She was born August 27, 1782, and died 
October 8, 1859, aged "jj years. Captain Pease died No- 
vember 8, 1839, aged 64 years, 9 months. Children : eight 
sons, four daughters. 



^^/il fil^- 



/^^ 



Autograph written December 12, 1S21. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 3OI 

Mr. Jesse Pendleton, son of Caleb and Hannah* 
(Clossen) Pendleton, was born near Westerly, R. I., July 
8, 177 1. During the Revolutionary War his father and 
his uncle while in the Colonial service left their wives and 
children at home. In 1781, when the British fleet under 
l^enedict Arnold were ravaging the coast, and came to New 
London, a shot fired from one of their vessels passed 
through the pantry breaking nearly all the dishes. The 
women thought it best to remove from so exposed a situa- 
tion, therefore they spent the rest of the time at Coventry, 
R. I., until the return of their husbands. After the close 
of the war, his brother, Rev. John Pendleton, and other 
members of the family having preceded him, Mr. Pendleton 
with three other families, all related, removed to the vicinity 
of Willimansett. Jesse, then a young lad, went most of 
the way on foot beside his father, the ox team carrying his 
mother and other members of the family, together with 
their household goods. 

In 1S03 the family removed to the highlands of Willi- 
mansett, where Jesse engaged in farming. He was one of 
the selectmen of the town of Springfield in 1821-22-23-24, 
and a member of the House of Representatives to the 
General Court in 182S-29-30 ; he was a director in the 
Springfield Mutual Plre Assurance Company from October 
5, 1829, to October 14, 1830, all of which positions he filled 
with credit and impartiality. 

February 22, 1798, he married Sabrina Chapin, daugh- 
ter of Capt. Phineas and Sabrina (Wright) Chapin. She 
was born June 13, 1779, and died September 29, 1848, 
aged 69 years. Mr. Pendleton died January 9, 1837, aged 
65 years, 6 months. Children: Miletus Pendleton, a 
farmer and contractor, born April 24, 1799, and died at 
Portsmouth, Va., March 12, 1853, aged 54 years ; Clossen 
Pendleton, postmaster at Willimansett for twenty-six years, 
was born February 2, 1801, died February 19, 1871, aged 
70 years ; Pamelia Andrews Pendleton, born April 26, 1S05, 

* She died October 13, 1S32, aged 94 years. 



302 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

who married Dea. Sidney Chapin, died July 19, 1879, aged 
74 years. 

Mr. Jesse Pendleton was a much respected citizen, of a 
pleasing and courteous manner ; he easily took the lead in 
the affairs of the town, from " old Chicopee." 

The highlands of Willimansett were known as " Teger," 
and it is said that a certain captain who had sailed to the 
West Indies, to the island of Antigua, came up from the 
shore, and settled there, and so named the place "Antigua," 
from whence sprung the name " Teger." 




^^^ 



Autograph written December 12, 1S21. 



Hon. Ansel Phelps, Jr., was born at Greenfield, Mass., 
October 17, 181 5. He was educated at the public schools 
in his native town, and studied at the Harvard Law School, 
but began first the study of law in the office of Hon. 
Daniel Wells, who was chief justice of the common pleas 
court. About 1838 he went to Philadelphia, where he was 
for a short time assistant editor of a leading (party) paper. 
On his return to Greenfield he had the editorial charge of 
the Gazette, a newspaper which was owned and published 
by his father. 

In 1839 ^^ removed to Ware, Mass., where he opened 
an office for the practice of law. In 1841, under the 
administration of President William Henry Harrison, he 
was appointed postmaster of the village. He was a mem- 
ber of the House of Representatives from Ware in 1845, 
"where he assumed an honorable position and exercised 
much influence in the discharge of his public duties." In 
the spring of 1846 he was appointed attorney to the West- 
ern Railroad (now Boston & Albany), and soon after 
moved to Springfield, and was for three years mayor of 
the city, 1856-57-58. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 303 

He married Page of Hardvvick, Mass. He died 

June 2, i860, in the 45th year of his age. Children: two 
sons, one daughter. 

Hon. Willis Phelps was born at Granby, Conn., P^b- 
ruary 25, 1806; a descendant of William Phelps, who came 
from England .in 1630 and settled in Dorchester, Mass. ; 
from thence he went to Windsor, Conn., in 1635. The 
father of Willis, Horace Phelps, a farmer, came to this town 
in 1816 and lived on the " Hill," and engaged in the meat 
business. He died at the age of 79 years. Willis witnessed 
the destruction of a part of the old wooden bridge which 
was carried off in 18 16. When sixteen years old he began 
work in Morgan & Rogers's meat market on the "Hill" 
(partners were Albert Morgan and Sable Rogers). He 
worked in the brickyard on Carew street in which the brick 
for the building of the old Hampden Coffee House were 
made. In 1825, when nineteen years old, he bought out 
the business of N. B. & J. O. Moseley, corner State and Wal- 
nut streets. In 1828 he removed to Longmeadow,Mass., and 
built a hotel, living there eleven years, serving the town as 
a selectman in the years 1839, 1841-42, also as an assessor. 

In 1839 he took a contract to build six sections of the 
Western Railroad, between Springfield and Albany, com- 
mencing at Dalton. He was for forty years a railroad con- 
tractor of great energy. He laid the track from this city to 
Hartford, and did considerable grading on the Connecticut 
River Railroad. He built the Milford branch of the Boston 
& Albany Railroad. In connection with the late Daniel D. 
Warren he built the Council Bluffs & St. Joseph Railroad, 
raising the funds for its construction. He built the Rome 
& Watertown and Potsdam & Watertown roads, the Am- 
herst & Belchertown, and about twenty-five miles of the 
New London Northern, considerable of the Providence & 
Fishkill, and y^, miles of the Terre Haute & Alton Rail- 
road. He also built the Athol by the aid of the city of 
Springfield, which in 1872-73 voted an appropriation of 



304 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

$300,000. The road was sold to the Boston & Albany in 
1875. Mr. Phelps built the Longmeadow Railroad from 
an appropriation by the city in 1874-76 of $150,000. In 
1878 and 1886 the 1,500 shares of the stock owned by the 
city was sold to the New York & New England Railroad 
Company for $75,360. 

In 1843 he was a manufacturer and dealer in Florence 
straw and silk bonnets, having a store on Main street. He 
was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance 
Company from October 4, 1847, to October 22, 1849; ^ 
director in the Pynchon National Bank from September, 
1853, until his death ; a director in the Springfield Fire and 
Marine Insurance Company, and a trustee and the presi- 
dent of the Five Cents Savings Bank from May 27, 1854, 
to July 6, 1858. For six years from 1842, he was a woolen 
manufacturer. 

In 1844 he was chosen county commissioner and was 
chairman of the board for three years. He was a member 
of the Massachusetts Senate in 1848. served in the city 
government in 1852, when it was first organized, as council- 
man from Ward three, and as alderman in 1853 ; was a 
member of the House of Representatives in 1856; was four 
times a candidate for mayor of Springfield, but was defeated 
at each election. He was prominent in the Methodist 
church. He gave over $40,000 to the State Street Church, 
and helped build the Trinity Church on Bridge street. 

His wife was Miss Mariah Bartlett, whom he married 
in 1828. She died June 10, 1873, aged 66 years. He died 
November 25, 1883, aged jy years, 9 months. Sons now 
living: George W. Phelps of Mount Morris, Livingston 
county, N. Y., and Henry W. Phelps of Minneapolis, Minn. 




Autograph written October 7, 1857. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD, 



0^5 



Dr. Charles Pynchon was born January 31, 17 19. 
He studied medicine, and commenced practice in Spring- 
field, having an office on the east side of Main street, 
second building above Ferry street. He was one of the 
incorporators of the Massachusetts Medical Society ; was 
a surgeon in the Revolutionary War with General Gates's 
army, in 1777. He died August 19, 1783, in his 65th year. 

Edward Pynchon, Esq.. was born in Springfield, in 
1774. Upon the death of his father, William Pynchon, in 
March, 1808, he became town clerk and treasurer. He 
was parish clerk and treasurer (First Church), county 
treasurer and register of deeds, from 181 2, being the first 
person elected to these offices, which he held for eighteen 
years (until his death), having been regularly re-elected. 
He was one of the original incorporators of the old Spring- 
field Bank (now the Second National), chartered in 18 14. 
and was its first cashier, 18 14-15. " A faithful and devoted 
public servant, a sincere Christian, and beloved citizen." 
He was one of the selectmen of the town in 18 12. 

William Pynchon, who settled in Springfield in 1636, 
was one of the first patentees of the Colony of Massachu- 
setts, and treasurer of the colony. From the year 1708 
to 1830, the offices of county treasurer and county register 
were filled by some one of the Pynchon family. 

Edward Pynchon subscribed $800 to the fund for the 
purchase of land now Court Square. He died March 17, 
1830, in the 56th year of his age. 



^/jUcroyrd/ U/tz/nyOT^ffn / 




Autograph written November 19, 1S23. 



Major William Pynchon, Jr., was born in 1739. He 
lived in the house which stood where the Haynes Hotel 
now is. About the year 1845, it was moved to the rear, 



3o6 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 









" Port " was built m iiido i)\-J(jhn i'ynchun, " Worshipful Major I'yiichon." 
It was torn down in July, 1S31. The porch was removed about 1S15. 

The Pynchon Fort stood in the rear of the building of the Springfield P~ire and 
Marine Insurance Co., corner Main and Fort streets. 

The last occupant of the old house was William Pynchon, who died August 
12, 1847, aged 70 years. William Pynchon, who resides on Plainfield street, 
Springfield, was his son. 



From an original drawing by Rev. William 11. O. Peabody 
for Mr. Charles .Stearns ( iS^z). 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 3O7 

and fronts on Pynchon street, and at present is owned by 
Emerson Gaylord, of Chicopee, who is now (June, 1891) 
making some alterations upon it. In removing a portion of 
the cellar wall, a stone was found with this inscription cut 
on it: "April 19th, 1792." Seventeen years after the 
battle of Lexington ! 

Mr. Pynchon was a deputy sheriff in 1775, one of the 
selectmen of the town, register of deeds from 1777 until 
his death in 1808, county treasurer, town clerk and treas- 
urer, parish clerk and treasurer, and justice of the peace, 
all of which positions he filled with credit, and to the entire 
satisfaction of the community, by whom he was greatly 
esteemed. 

He married in 1766. His wife, Lucy, died February 
17, 1 8 14, aged 75 years. He died in a fit of apoplexy, 
March 24, 1808, in the 69th year of his age. 

Samuel Raynolds, Esq., merchant, was born May 22, 
1800. He was a clerk in a dry goods store, until about 
1825, when he entered into partnership with Galen Ames, 
under the firm name of Ames & Raynolds. In a few years 
they dissolved partnership. He then formed a partnership 
with Edward A. Morris, under the firm name of Raynolds 
& Morris, having their stores on Main street. He was a 
director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company, 
from October 21, 1836, lo October 2, 1848. In 1843 he 
was elected a director in the Chicopee Bank of Springfield, 
now the Chicopee National Bank, and in April, 1846, was 
chosen its president, and remained in office until his death. 

May 24, 1831, he married Abby C. Bliss, daughter of 

George Bliss, Sr. She died . October i, 1833, he 

married for a second wife Clarinda Bond, daughter of 
Thomas Bond. Mr. Raynolds died June 8, 1850, after an 
illness of four days of neuralgic fever, at the age of 50 
years. 



308 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




DANIKL REYNOLDS. 



From a photograph taken 1880. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 3O9 

Deacon Daniel Reynolds was born at East Hartford, 
Conn., November ii, 1804. He came to Springfield and 
began work at the Armory in 1821, remaining twenty years, 
and afterwards removed to Burnside, Conn. In 1843 he 
returned to Springiield, and in 1861 was appointed keeper 
of the Arsenal at the Armory, and afterwards was made 
government inspector of supplies, until the close of the 
War of the Rebellion. He was connected with the Bigelow 
Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of soda fountains. 
In 1855, he was an alderman from Ward four. 

He was a valued member of the First Congregational 
Church (Rev. Dr. Samuel Osgood), having been admitted 
March, 1847, from the church at East Hartford, Conn.; 
was deacon from 1850 to 1865, church clerk from 1851 to 
1854. He was a devout Mason, a prelate of the Knights 
Templars. He held many important oflfices, and was one of 
its most respected members, and among its associations 
"formed enduring friendships." 

His wife, Emily Bliss, born July 22, 1807, died October 
3, 1858, aged 51 years. Their daughter, Eliza Bliss, married 
Mr. Edward C. Rogers, treasurer of the Massasoit Paper 
Manufacturing Company, Holyoke, and president of the 
Chester Paper Company, Huntington, Mass. Mr. Reynolds 
died June 7, 1881, in the 77th year of his age. 

Hon. and Col. Caleis Rice was born in Conway, 
Mass., April 4, 1792. He prepared for college at Westfield 
Academy, and afterwards entered Williams College, where 
he graduated in 18 14. He studied law with William Blair 
of Westfield, and was admitted to the bar in 181 7, and after 
a short practice there, removed to West Springfield. He 
soon became prominent in town affairs, serving as town 
clerk, and clerk of the first parish. He was a representative 
of the town to the Legislature from 1821 to 1830. In 1828 
he was a member of the first county board of highway 
commissioners, and in 1829 was chairman of the board. 
In 1826 he was appointed by Gov. Levi Lincoln, division 



3IO SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




V ^^ 



^ 



Autograph written October 31, 1840. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 311 

inspector of the Fourth Division of Massachusetts Volunteer 
Militia. He was, with the late Col. George Bliss, aid on 
the staff of Major General Alanson Knox, of l^landford, 
Mass., from whence he received his title of colonel. 

In 1 83 1 he retired from the practice of law, and was 
elected high sheriff for the county of Hampden, which 
office he held for twenty years, from 1831 toi85i. He 
removed to Springfield in 1842. In May, 1852, he was 
elected first mayor of the city, and in December, 1853, 
he was re-elected. He was for a few years one of the 
commissioners of the sinking fund, which was opened in 
1853 and closed in 1874. He was a director in the old 
Springfield Aqueduct Company, formed in 1848, and its 
president in 1864, and treasurer in 1867. Upon the organi- 
zation of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company 
in January, 1S51, he was chosen a director, and in June he 
was elected its president, and held the office until his death. 
Colonel Rice was a director and president of the Western 
l^ank, which was incorporated May i, 1849, for the term 
ending October i, 1869. The bank was located in Cooley's 
Hotel block, corner Main and Liberty streets. The first 
cashier of the bank was Charles P. Bissell. He was 
succeeded by his brother, George P. Bissell, now of 
Hartford, Conn. J. L. VVarriner, now president of the 
Agricultural National Bank of Pittsfield, Mass., was the 
next cashier, holding the office at the time the bank passed 
into the hands of a receiver, in October, 1857. It was said 
if the officers of the Suffolk Bank, Boston (the agent for 
redeeming the bills of the New England banks), had kept 
their promise to the president (Caleb Rice) the bank 
would probably have been in existence to-day. Ezekiel R. 
Colt, Esq., who was appointed receiver by the court, in his 
first report stated that there was less than $10,000 poor 
paper, — but, being in the hands of the court, advantage 
could not be taken of offers of settlement of two or three 
claims which other banks holding similar ones settled with 
small loss. 



312 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Colonel Rice was married October 7, 1824. His only 
child, Elizabeth D. Rice, who went abroad many years ago, 
and was married to Professor Carlo Bianciardi, died at 
Vevay, Switzerland, January 2, 1886. Colonel Rice was 
esteemed for his many sterling qualities. Broad common 
sense and intelligent decisions attended every position in 
which he was called to serve. He died March i, 1873, in 
the 8 1st year of his age. 

Mr. William Rice, a descendant from Edmund Rice, 
who settled in Sudbury, Mass., in 1639, ^^s born in 
Belchertown, Mass., March 18, 1788. When a boy he 
went to Wilbraham, Mass., where he lived until about thirty 
years old, and afterwards, in 181 7, he removed to Spring- 
field, and engaged in business as a merchant, first with 
John Holt, then in the firm of Rice & Upham, and after- 
wards with Daniel Dorchester, in the firm of Rice & 
Dorchester, then, admitting Frederick Merrick, under the 
firm name of Rice, Dorchester & Merrick. In 1830 he 
was elected register of deeds for Hampden county, and 
held the office for twenty-nine years, to 1859. ^" ^8t,8 
he was elected county treasurer and remained in office for 
fifteen years, until 1853. He was a prominent Methodist, 
and one of the founders of the Wesleyan Academy, at 
Wilbraham, Mass., — the first Wesleyan school in New 
England. When it was established he gave it one-third of 
all he owned at that time, and afterwards contributed 
liberally to its increasing demands for more space, and to 
the needs for its maintenance. In 1824 he was chosen one 
of the selectmen of the town, and again in 1825, 1826, and 
1830. He was a member of the House of Representatives 
from Springfield in 1831. 

He married Jerusha Warriner, of Wilbraham, Mass., 
where she was born March 15, 1785. She died in Spring- 
field, July 20, 1869, aged 81 years, 4 months. William 
Rice died February 10, 1863, aged 74 years, 10 months, 23 
days. Children : two sons, two daughters. His son, 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 313 

Rev. William Rice, has been Librarian of the City Library 
since 1861. 



^^ /^XXi i?i^O<h^^ e/Ac^ 



^^CCZ^ 



Autograph written Sepreml)er 26, 1S31. 



Jesse Ring, a master millwright at the U. S. Armory, 
for more than fifty years, was born at Worthington, Mass., 
in 1794. 

In 1 817 he married Keziah Lombard of Springfield, 
Mass. She was born in Springfield in 1796 and died in 
1867, aged 71. He died August 9. 1870, aged 76 years. 
Children : two sons, six daughters. 

General James Wolfe Ripley was born in Windham, 
Conn., December 10, 1794. He graduated at West Point 
U. S. Military Academy, in 18 14, entered the artillery arm, 
and served in the second war with Great Britain, being at 
the defense of Sackett's Harbor. He became battalion 
quartermaster of artillery in 1816; first quartermaster in 
1818. Was in the Seminole War at the seizure of Pensa- 
cola and the capture of San Carlos de Barrancas, and was 
commissioner for running the boundary line of the Florida 
Indian reservations in 1823-24. He became captain in 
1823 ; was in command at Charleston harbor during the 
threatened South Carolina nullification times in 1832-33 
and was major in 1838. He was superintendent of the 
Springfield Armory from April 16, 1841, to August 16, 
1854. In May, 1848, was brevetted lieutenant colonel for 
the faithful performance of his duty in the prosecution of 
the Mexican War. He became full lieutenant colonel in 
1854 ; was chief of ordnance in the Department of the 
Pacific in 1855-57, and was colonel and chief of ordnance, 
U. S. A., which position he held until his retirement in 
1 863. He received the brevet of brigadier general, U. S. A., 
in July, 1 861, and in August was promoted to the full 



31^ SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

rank. In March, 1865, he received the brevet of major 
genera], U. S. A., for long and faithful service. From his 
retirement until his death he was inspector of the arma- 
ment of fortifications on the New England coast. 

He married . He died in Hartford, Conn., March 

16, 1870, in the 76th year of his age. Children : four 
daughters. 

General Ripley came to Springfield from Augusta, Me., 
and remained here from 1841 until President Franklin 
Pierce's term commenced in 1853 (he having been elected 
in 1852) when the government of the Armory was changed 
to a civil superintendency by the decision of Congress. 
It was during his (General Ripley's) administration that 
Charles Stearns took sides with those who were in favor of 
civil government at the Armory, in opposition to those who 
were of the opinion that military rule was more for the 
interest of the government. From this there grew a long 
and bitter contest, which did not end until some time after 
the War of the Rebellion. On the charges preferred by the 
citizens of the town, Major Ripley was tried by a board of 
army officers ; he was acquitted, and his plans for reform 
were carried out. Many of those who were opposed to 
him at the first opening of the case afterwards became 
reconciled to his policy, as it was useless to make further 
obstructions to the decision of a military court. 

Col. John Robb was born in Baltimore, Maryland, 
September 3, 1792. 

He enlisted in the United States Army in April, 181 3, 
as sergeant in the Seventh Infantry. He was appointed 
by Gen. Andrew Jackson, in general orders at New Orleans, 
as ensign in Seventh Infantry, December 22, 18 14, and was 
also quartermaster sergeant in the Seventh U. S. Infantry. 
Colonel Robb was engaged in the battle at New Orleans, 
January 8, 1815. Was discharged from service April, 
18 1 5, and afterwards was chief clerk of the War Depart- 
ment, and in the absence of the secretary, acting secretary 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 315 

of war. He was appointed by President Andrew Jackson 
superintendent of the United States Armory at Springfield, 
and held the office from October 17, 1833, to April 15, 1841. 
On the (Sth of January, 1834, he delivered a lecture on the 
battle of New Orleans in the Masonic hall in the old town 
house on State street. The writer was present, and heard 
his interesting account of the battle, in which the plan was 
shown by a large map, hung on the wall in the rear of the 
speaker. Colonel Robb was appointed chaplain in the 
U. S. Army, October 23, 1843. In 1857 he was appointed 
examiner, and chief clerk of the pension bureau, under Com- 
missioner George C. Whiting. In April, i86r, he resigned 
and lived in Washington, where he died February 25, 1869, 
aged ']() years, 5 months, 22 days. Achsah, his wife, died 
January 31, i860, aged 6"] years. They are buried in the 
Mount Olivet Cemetery, Baltimore, Md. Children : three 
sons, none of whom are now living. 

Mr. Sable Rogers was born in 1788. He came to 
Springfield from the vicinity of Boston, about the year 
181 5, and applied to the late Simon Sanborn for work. Mr. 
Sanborn asked him what he could do. Rogers replied, 
" I am good on circle work, as I can ///;// a grindstone all 
day!' He was engaged in the meat and provision business 
on the " Hill " for many years. He was treasurer of the 
Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from July 25, 
1827, to October 2, 1848, and a director from May 14, 1827, 
to October 2, 1848. When the Chicopee Bank of Spring- 
field, now the Chicopee National Bank, was organized in 
1836, he was chosen one of the first nine directors. 

He married Warner. He died December 14, 

1858, aged 70 years. Children : two sons, one daughter. 

Captain Edmund Rowland, Jr., son of Edmund 
Rowland (who came from Windsor, Conn., to Springfield), 
was born in 1806. A merchant. It is said that his was 



3l6 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

the first store in Springfield devoted exclusively to the dry 
goods trade. He took much interest in the militia, being 
a member. He was promoted captain May 2, 1835, of a 
company in Col. Edward Parsons's regiment of light infan- 
try, First Brigade, Fourth Division, M. V. M., and com- 
missioned August 30, 1836, division inspector, Fourth 
Division, commanded by Major General William H. 
Moseley. 

He married Sophia Frost, daughter of Dr. Joshua Frost. 
She died in 1843. Captain Rowland died November 12, 
^^37 f aged 31 years. 

Children : Sophia, who married Miles Beach, judge of 
the supreme court in the city of New York, and who died 
in 1887 ; and Rev. Edmund Rowland, D.D., rector of St. 
John's Church, Waterbury, Conn., who married Sarah 
Belknap of Hartford, Conn. 

James Bliss Rumrill, Esq., son of Alexander and 
Margaret (Bliss) Rumrill, was born in Springfield, May 
I, 1812. He was directly descended from Simon Rumrill, 
who was one of the early settlers of Enfield, Conn., and 
was married there in 1690. When a young man James 
Bliss Rumrill went to Providence, R. I., and there first 
learned to manufacture gold jewelry. He afterwards went 
to New York, where he became associated with Alfred G. 
Peckham in the manufacture of gold chains, under the firm 
name of Peckham & Rumrill, which was widely and favorably 
known as the most extensive establishment then engaged 
in this business, in the country. In a few years Mr. Peck- 
ham retired from the business, and William C. Arthur be- 
came a member, under the firm name of Arthur, Rumrill & 
Co. Besides their manufactory in New York, they estab- 
lished another in Springfield, which was at one time under 
the firm name of R. G. Shumway & Co., and was located 
on land now Avon place. In 1848 Mr. Rumrill moved to 
Springfield from New York, having bought the residence 
of the late Rev. William B. O. Peabody on Maple street, 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 317 

which was ever afterwards his home. About 1 870 the man- 
ufactory was moved to Morris street. In 1855 Mr. Rumrill 
was elected a director in the Chicopee Bank (now the 
Chicopee National Rank, Springfield). He gave $3,000 to 
the building fund of the Church of the Unity, which was 
built in 1867-68, and in which he was an attendant. 

In 1834 he married Rebecca Pierce of Providence, 
R. I. She was born November 11, 1812, and died April 
2, 1890, aged yj years, 4 months. He died in New York, 
April 6, 1885, aged 72 years, 11 months. James A. Rum- 
rill, Esq., ex-vice-president of the Boston & Albany Rail- 
road Company, is the sole survivor of the family. 

Col. Ebenezer Russell, a prominent hotel keeper, was 
born October 10, 1776. He kept the Five-Mile House on 
the Boston road for several years, afterwards the "Jail 
Tavern," on State street, now the Union Armory, and for 
many years was proprietor of the Hampden Coffee House 
corner Main and Court streets, now the store of Smith & 
Murray. 

During the war of 1812-15 he was first lieutenant in 
Capt. Joseph Carew's company, and was with the troops at 
South Boston in 1813 when it was threatened with in\asion 
by the British. He was appointed major March 27, 181 5 : 
lieutenant colonel, June 20, 1815 ; colonel. May 18, 18 18, 
First Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division, Massa- 
chusetts Vol. Militia ; honorably discharged January 4, 18 19. 
He was appointed by high sheriff John Phelps, jailer at the 
jail on State street, and remained in office until 1825, when 
he was succeeded by Col. Harvey Chapin. He gave $100 
to the fund for the purchase of land now Court Square, and 
from 1822 to 1S28 was one of the assessors of the town. 
On his retirement from the hotel business he bought the 
William Sheldon property on Elm street (on which is now 
the schoolhouse). In 1865 the city bought it, and sold the 
house, which was moved to Dwight street, and is now num- 
bered 65 and 6"]. Colonel Russell was a popular landlord, 



3l8 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

of a kindly nature, and cordial manners. He was greatly 
respected and beloved by all who knew him. He died on 
Sjnday, November 26, 1854, aged 78 years. He married 
. Children : one son, five daughters. 



<.£^ 




Autograph written September 2, 1S35. 

Mr. Stephen O. Russell vv^as born in East Hartford, 
Conn., December 13, 1793. He removed to Springfield 
and engaged in the hotel business, being the landlord for 
several years of the Franklin and Eagle hotels respectively, 
on the " Hill." At the celebration of the 4th of July, 1829, 
Mr. Russell provided the dinner for the Jackson men at the 
Franklin Hotel, on which occasion John Chaffee,* pay- 
master at the Armory, presided. Joseph Weatherhead, 
Charles Howard, Diah Allin, and T. Warner were vice- 
presidents. James W. Crooks delivered the oration, and 
William F. Wolcott read the Declaration of Independence. 

Mr. Russell held many town offices. He was constable 
from 1827 to 1846, inclusive ; a selectman, a member of 
the school committee in 1830, collector of taxes from 183 i 
to 1838; assessor, 1833-34, 1839, 1842-43-44; overseer of 
the poor and auditor, 1836. He was highway surveyor, 
1837-38-39-40-41 ; and during his term of office the new 
road to Cabotville from "Round Hill," north by Wason car 
works, was laid out and built. Mr. Russell took much inter- 
est in improvements for the benefit of the town. In 1835 
he set out the row of trees on State street front of " Benton 
Lawn,' which now adds so much to the beauty of that 
locality. 

He was active in collecting subscriptions to stock of the 
Western Railroad (now Boston & Albany), at the time 



* Mr. Chaffee d'e'lat Winclsur, Ciiiin., August i, 1S44, aged 77 years. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



319 



when it required mucli perseverance to secure a subscrip- 
tion. 

The following is a copy of a tax bill for 1836: — 

CHARLES A. DA 17S, 

Your taxes in the town of Springfield for the year 1836 are : 

Dolls. Cts. Mis. 
Town and County, i 
District, 



STEPHEN O. RUSSELL, Collector. 

Received Payment, Oct. 5th. 1S36, 




^^^2^^^^^^-^ 



He died at Ellington, Conn., November 26, 1857, aged 
6z) years, nearly. His wife, Mary, died May 25, 1838, aged 
45 years. Children: four sons, two daughters. Now liv- 
ing (1893) : William H. Russell of Boston & Albany Rail- 
road. Charles O. Russell, ex-superintendent of Boston & 
Albany Railroad. 



Mr. Joseph Major Sanijorn, born at Epsom, N. H., 
July 9, 1789, was the son of Moses Sanborn, a farmer. He 
worked on his father's farm until the breaking out of the 
War of 1 8 12, when he enlisted as a drummer in Capt. Ben- 
jamin S. Edgerton's company, of Col. Isaac Clark's regiment, 
the iith United States Infantry, serving from June 27, 
1 812, to December 27, 181 3, when he was discharged. He 
served as a musician in Capt. D. Crawford's company of the 
above named regiment in 18 14, when he was discharged. 
He was drum major during a part of his service, and was at 
the battle of Plattsburg, N. Y. 

After the close of the war he removed to Springfield, 



320 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

and began work for his brother, Simon Sanborn, who was 
a prominent carpenter and builder. On the 4th of July and 
on training days of the " old militia," Major Sanborn always 
appeared with his drum ready at the word of command to 
send forth stirring appeals from its " head." The enthu- 
siasm with which he applied the "sticks" in beating the 
reveille attracted much attention on those occasions. 

He married Clarisa B. Cooley, daughter of Seneca 
Cooley of Springfield. She was born May 9, 1799, and 
died February 18, 1879, in her 80th year. Mr. Sanborn 
died August 26, 1862, aged 'j'}^ years. Children : five sons, 
two daughters. Now living: Simon Sanborn, carpenter 
and builder, and William H. Sanborn, dry goods merchant, 
both of Springfield. 

Mr. Simon Sanborn was born in Epsom, N. H., July 
21, 1782. He came to Springfield about the year i8jo, 
and soon engaged in business as a master builder. He 
constructed many of the fine old mansions which still 
remain with us. In 18 12 he built the mansion on State 
street for James Byers, now the residence of Mrs. Henry 
Alexander, and the following mansions on Chestnut street, 
between the years 1822 and 1825 : Col. George Bliss 
house, now Christ Church rectory ; Edmund Dwight house, 
now the home of the family of the late George Merriam ; 
the James Sanford Dwight house, now the home of Mrs. 
Ethan A. Chapin. The Samuel Orne mansion on Maple 
street (torn down in 1891), the John Howard house and 
the Benjamin Day house on Maple street (both of which 
were moved to School street in 1889), were built between 
tlie years 18 18 and 1824. He was one of the committee of 
the Unitarian society for fifteen years, first in 1822, last 
year 1843. He built the Unitarian church, which stood on 
State street, where the Olmsted and Kirkham block now 
is. He subscribed $100 to the fund for the purchase of 
Court Square in 1819. In 1827-28, he was a representa- 
tive of the town to the Legislature, and was a director in 



AM) MANSIONS OF Sl'RINGl' lELD. 



\2\ 




SIM OX SANBORN. 



From a painting by Chester Hardins;. 



322 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




MRS. SIMON SAN150RX. 



From a painting by Chester Harding. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 323 

the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from Octo- 
ber I, 1838, to October 2, 1848. 

His wife, Susan , died May 3, 1834. He mar- 
ried for his second wife, Miss Martha Graves, of Hatfield, 
Mass. He died October 3, 1855, aged -Ji years, 2 months. 

Mr. Harvev Sanderson, merchant, was born in Spring- 
field, April 23, 1797. He was apprenticed to Jonas 
Coolidge, to learn the hatter's trade, afterwards went to 
Newark, N. J., where he worked as a journeyman hatter 
for some time, and then returned to Springfield. In 1824 
he was taken into partnership by Mr. Coolidge, and engaged 
in the hat and fur business, the firm being Coolidge & 
Sanderson, which was continued until the death of Mr. 
Coolidge in 1854; then with his two sons, Edward and 
Josiah, he continued the business, under the firm name of 
Sanderson & Sons, until his death in 1889. Coolidge & 
Sanderson's shop for the manufacture of hats was in a 
wooden building which stood on Main street, where the 
granite building now is, which was formerly occupied by 
the Republican. The Garden brook at that time was open 
and uncovered to Worthington street. The writer has 
often seen Mr. Coolidge wash sheep skins in the brook in 
front of his shop. He made a dam by putting a wide board 
across the brook to collect the water, then by fastening the 
skins to a hook at the end of a long stick he would throw 
them into the water and souse them around until cleansed. 

He was admitted a member of the First Church, May, 
1 8 16, but on the organization of the South Church he was 
an attendant there for many years. He married Harriet 
Osborn of Windsor, Conn., in October, 1827; she died 
November 30. 1858, aged 59 years. Children : three sons, 
one daughter. He died March 7, 1889, aged 91 years. 10 
months, 12 days. 

Jeduthun Sanderson, the father of I larvey Sanderson, 
was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. lie died June, 
1824, aged 70 years. 



324 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 



.foS" <*«k 




HARVEV SANDERSON. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 325 

Mr. Henry Sargeant was born August 5, 1796. He 
was in the jewelry business, succeeding his father, Thomas 
Sargeant. He was a director in the Springfield Mutual 
Fire Assurance Company, from October 2, 1854, to Octo- 
ber 7, 1861. 

In December, 1830, he married Mary Holman of 
Wilbraham, Mass. He died March 24, 1864, aged 66 years, 
7 months. 

Mr. Horatio Sargeant, a descendant of Col. John 
Sargeant, the first white child born in the state of Vermont, 
was born at Brattleboro, Vt., October, 1792. Early in life 
he engaged in the staging business as an employee for 
a Mr. Brewster of Northampton, Mass., the pioneer in the 
business of carrying the mail and passengers from Hart- 
ford, Conn., to Hanover, N. H. (and to Stanstead, Canada), 
on both sides of the Connecticut river, with side lines to 
all the important towns. In a few years he bought an 
interest in the enterprise, and the firm of Brewster & Sar- 
geant was formed. Afterwards he bought out Mr. Brews- 
ter's interest in the line, and sold one-half of the business 
to Chester W. Chapin, the firm then being Sargeant & 
Chapin. They were large contractors for carrying the 
mails over their lines in this region, and ran a steamboat 
line between Springfield and Hartford. On the entrance 
of railroads into this valley he engaged in the hotel business 
and owned and conducted the old Hampden House, corner 
Main and Court streets, for several years from 1833. He 
also engaged in farming, and was largely interested in real 
estate, having a large tract in " Plainfield," a part of Hamp- 
den Park, the " Thomas Bond place," now the land on 
which Sargeant and Bradford streets are located, the 
land on which the city hall stands and to Pynchon street, 
and the land now covered by Fulton street. Mr. Sargeant 
was of "quaint thought and expression, shrewd in human 
nature, especially of the old sort, of few words, but a 
wise way." 



326 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 








Autograph written April 3, 1844. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPKINGFIELI). 



:>-'/ 



He was married by Rev. Dr. Wayland, at Saratoga 
Springs, N. Y., to Charlotte Lester, daughter of Captain 
Lester (who was a shipowner and importer, and a direct 
descendant of the Earl of Leicester, whose coat of arms is 
in possession of a member of Mr. Sargeant's family). She 
was born in Connecticut, and died at Detroit, Mich., July 
26, I.S86. Their children : Rev. Horatio Lester Sargeant, 
who was chaplain of the 14th Regiment Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, during the War of the Rebellion, and died at 
West Springfield, Mass., July 25, 1866, aged 32 years : 
Thomas Bradford Sargeant, who resides in Detroit, Mich.; 
Charlotte Maria Sargeant, who married George E. King of 
Detroit, Mich., and died March 5, 1887 ; Mary Amelia 
Sargeant, who married L. Ely Day, and resides in Boston. 
Mrs. Day established " Housatonic Hall " (an educational 
institution). Great Barrington, Mass , and was principal 
with an associate for several years, retiring from it in 1887. 
Afterwards she was principal of one of the Wellesley Col- 
lege preparatory schools for a time. "Housatonic Hall' 
has been a flourishing school from the first, and at present 
ranks among the best. 

Mr. Sargeant was returning from St. Catharine's, Canada, 
where he had been spending a few weeks for his health, 
and stopping for a visit to his sister, Mrs. Rockwood, at 
Hartford, Conn., was taken suddenly very ill, and died 
September 26, 1864, aged 72 years. 

Mr. Thoma.s Sargeant was born in 1773. He came 
to Springfield about the year 1785, and commenced the 
watch and jewelry business in a wooden building which 
stood nearly opposite the Exchange Hotel (recently torn 
down), on Main street. He built the hotel about 1820, 
also the brick house for a residence which stood where the 
Pynchon l^ank block now is. The house was moved back 
on to West State street (Nos. 92 and 94), to make way for 
the bank building, which was erected in 1853. Mr. Sargeant 
was one of the selectmen of the town in 18 18-19-20, 



328 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

and foreman in the fire department. He subscribed $100 
to the fund for the purchase of land now Court Square. 

His wife, Lydia, was admitted a member of the First 
Congregational Church (Rev. Bezaleel Howard), in March, 
1800. She died May 5, 1855, aged 81 years. Mr. Sargeant 
died May 16, 1834, aged 61 years. Their son Thomas died 
at sea, June 25, 1825, aged 27 years. 

Otis A. Seamans, Esq., was born in Rhode Island, 
and came to Springfield, a poor orphan boy, about the 
year 1832. He taught school, and afterwards studied for 
the profession of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1843. 
His office was on the " Hill," where he had considerable 
practice. He was a land surveyor, a member of the school 
committee for several years, and a member of the Common 
Council from Ward five, in 1856 and 1861, and in 1859 
was a member of the House of Representatives. 

He married Miss Steel. Children: two daughters. He 
died February 6, 1862, aged 50 years. 

Dr. Edwin Seeger was born in 181 i, at Northampton, 
Mass., where his father, Dr. Charles Lewis Seeger, a native 
of Germany, settled early in the present century. 

Edwin Seeger entered Jefterson Medical College, Phila- 
delphia, and was graduated in 1832. When twenty-one 
years of age he came to Springfield, where for thirty-four 
years he lived and devoted himself to his profession, the 
duties of which he performed with diligence and faithful- 
ness. 

In October, 1852, he was associated with Dr. Jefferson 
Church in a proposal to publish the work of Dr. William 
Tully upon " Materia Medica," which was issued in 1857- 
58, in two volumes. 

He was opposed to the perpetuation of slavery and 
strongly in favor of making the territories of the United 
States free for settlement. 

He married Harriet Woodworth F'oot, daughter of 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 329 

Adonijah and Clarissa (Woodworth) Foot. She was born 
July 21, 1 8 14, and died August 26, 1843, aged 29 years, 
leaving a daughter, Harriet Seeger. He married for a 
second wife Elizabeth A. White, daughter of Col. John H. 
White, of Lancaster, N. H. Dr. Seeger died September 
26, 1866, aged 55 years. Children: three sons. Now 
living (1893), William T. and Charles L. Seeger, both of 
New York. 




Autograph written July 13, 185S. 

Col. Samuel Adams Shackford, merchant, son of 
Seth R. and Martha Shackford, was born in New Market, 
N. H., in 181 1. He came to Chicopee Falls about the year 
1834, and was for many years a prominent merchant. 
August 30, 1838, he was commissioned by Gov. Edward 
Everett brigade inspector, First Brigade, Fourth Division, 
Massachusetts Volunteer Militia ; discharged April 24, 1840. 
In 1844 he formed a partnership with George S. Taylor, 
under the firm name of Shackford & Taylor, and engaged 
in the general merchandise business until 1863. He was a 
member of the House of Representatives from Chicopee in 

1853-54- 

He died in Chicopee Falls February 3, 1864, aged 53 
years, 6 months. 

Mr, Calvin SiiATrucK. was born in Havvley, Mass., 
July 30, 1790, was reared in Charlemont, Mass., and 
came to Springfield at the age of twenty-two years. In 
1 8 14 he went into the United States service at the Armory, 
in which he continued for nearly thirty years. He after- 
wards engaged in farming, also carried on the livery busi- 
ness. He entered into the mulberry and silk culture about 
the year 1838, in which he was successful. At one time he 
fed 300,000 silkworms, said to be the largest number any 



330 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




Number 29 Elm street was the home of Charles Sheldon, who built the house 
about the year 1772. In February, 180S, Rev. Bezaleel Howard bought the property 
and resided there until his decease in 1S37. Henry Adams, who was a jeweler, occu- 
pied the house in 1S39-40. Alfred A. Allen was the next occupant, having bought 
the jMoperty of the heirs of Rev. Mr. Howard. In 1865, Mr. Allen sold it to Gilbert A. 
Smith, who resided there until 1867, when in May, the same year, Henry Fuller, Jr., 
l^urchased it and lived there until his decease in 18S7. The house is now the home 
of Mrs. Fuller. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 33 I 

one ever had in ihe state. He was one of the original 
owners of the Hampden Brewery, which was located on 
Myrtle street. Through his influence he persuaded his 
partners to give up the business. He was on the last two 
tickets for selectman of the town government, in 1850 as a 
Democrat, and in 185 i as a Free-soiler. He became master 
of the old Masonic Lodge, and was one of the early mem- 
bers and supporters of the Olivet Church. He was a 
soldier in the last war with England, 1812-15. 

On the loth of March, 1818, he married Betsey Sprague 
of Ludlow, Mass. She was born in Andover, Conn., and 
died in Springfield May 29, 1882, at the age of 84 years. 
He died suddenly of paralysis, July 28, 1855, just complet- 
ing his 65th year. Their children, living: Elizabeth, wife 
of Artemas Bigelow, one of the first graduates of Wesleyan 
University ; Calvin S., Congregational minister, mostly at 
the West and South ; Emily C, widow of F. F. Battles, 
Lowell, Mass.; Lucius A. and Frederick R., metal brokers, 
Boston, Mass.; Porter S., machinist, and William H., 
farmer, Springfield. Frederick R. was a captain during 
the War of the Rebellion, and third of rank in the United 
States signal service. Mr. Shattuck's father was a captain 
in the Revolutionary War. 

Charles Sheldon was born in 1757. In 1787 and for 
many years after he was a merchant, selling dry goods, 
groceries, etc. 

His first wife was Betsey Bellamy. Their children were 
a son and two daughters. For a second wife he married 
Elizabeth Parsons. They had two children. He died in 
1 8 13, aged 56 years. 

Dr. William Sheldon was born at Hartford, Conn., in 
1 76 1. A merchant ; had a store "a few rods south of the 
court house," where he sold drugs, medicines, etc. The 
title doctor was usually given to druggists in those days. 



332 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




Nos. 65 and 67 Dwight street was the home of William Sheldon. The house 
was built about the year 1770 and stood on Elm street. Colonel Ebenezer Russell, 
one of the landlords of the old Hampden Coffee House, afterwards bought the house 
and resided thereuntil his death in 1854. The house was removed from Elm street, 
where the schoolhouse now is, in 1S66, and is now occupied as a double tenement. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 333 

He was a representative to the General Court in 1812, a 
selectman of the town in 1813-14-15-16-17. 

He married Eunice Williams. He died in 181S, aged 
57 years. 

Mr. Chauncey Shepard, a prominent architect and 
builder, was born in Hebron, N. Y., January 2S, 1797. 
He was the son of Turner Shepard of that place, and grand- 
son of Gen. William Shepard, an officer in the Revolution- 
ary War, and who had a command in the Shays rebellion 
Chauncey Shepard learned his trade in Westfield, Mass., 
where he served an apprenticeship of several years, acquir- 
ing a thorough knowledge of the trade in all its branches. 
After serving his time, he went to Philadelphia with his 
former master, and worked there for a time, and then re- 
turned to W^estfield, where in 1822 he married Lydia Dewey 
(eldest daughter of James Uewey, with whom he lived fifty- 
one years), and afterwards moved to Springfield and lived 
in the house on State street, formerly the residence of the 
late Rev. Dr. Peabody. Mr. Shepard's first work in Spring- 
field was on the First Church (Rev. Dr. Osgood, pastor). 
His work was the best of his day, and many of the old sub- 
stantial buildings of Springfield bear testimony of his skill 
as a workman. Examples of his early work were the fine 
residences of David and John Ames, the former of which he 
remodeled forty-one years after it was built ; of his later 
work, the residences of William Gunn on Maple street, 
R. F. Hawkins on Mulberry street, D. B. Wesson on High 
street, Horace Smith on Maple street. Dr. A. Lambert on 
State street, and many others : also Smith & Wesson's 
pistol works. Among the public buildings which he built 
are the City Hall, the Methodist church on Florence street, 
and the Worthington street schoolhouse, in Springfield, 
Mount Holyoke Seminary at South Hadley, Williston Sem- 
inary at Easthampton, Mass., and the Allyn House at Hart- 
ford, Conn. 

His wife was born in Westfield, Mass., September 25, 



334 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




CHAUNCEV SHEPARI). 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGP'I ELD. 335 

1797, and died in Springfield, September 22, 1H71, aged 74 
years, less three days. Mr. Shepard died April 30, 1875, 
aged 78 years, 3 months. By his faithful and excellent 
work he earned an honorable name in his profession. Of 
their seven children there are living, James Turner and 
William, in Waltham, Mass., and Mrs. Fannie C. Lee of 
Springfield, Mass., relict of Col. Horace C. Lee. 

Chauncey Shepard, Jr., died in 1858 at the age of 28 
years. He was a wood carver, and did much fine work for 
the houses built by his father. 

Mr. Thomas J. Shepard was born in i8co. He was 
employed at the U. S. Armory for several years. He was a 
director and the fourth president of the Hampden County 
Agricultural Society, which was chartered in 1844, a metii- 
ber of the House of Representatives from the town of 
Springfield in 1850; a prominent member of the Hampden 
Lodge of Masons. 

He married Caroline B. Ringe of Wilbraham, Mass. 
She died June 15, 1879, aged 73 years. He died at Sus- 
pension Bridge, N. Y., November 21, 1865, aged 65 years. 
Children : one son, one daughter. 

Col. Roswell Shurtleff, merchant, was born at 
Chesterfield, N. H., in 1797. His father was a soldier of the 
Revolution, and his earliest American ancestor was Will- 
iam (sometime captain) Shurtleff, who landed at Plymouth 
from the second of the vessels which bore the Pilgrim 
fathers to these shores, coming from Ecclesfield near Shef- 
field, England, where now stands the family mansion built 
early in the sixteenth century. At the age of twenty-one 
years he received an appointment upon the staft'of the gov- 
ernor of Vermont, from whence he derived the title of col- 
onel. He was prominent in Odd Fellowship, and in Free- 
masonry, a past grand before coming to Springfield. He 
began business first at Bath, N. H., afterwards at Wells 
River, Newbury, and Norwich. Vt. In February 10, 1839, 



336 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




COL. ROSWELL SHURTLKFF. 



Fr>ni ,ui ambrotype taken in 1S53. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 337 

he removed to Springfield, where he engaged in the auction, 
commission, and real estate business in a store on the site 
of Metcalf & Luther's building on Main street. In con- 
nection with Roderick Burt he purchased the William 
Dwight homestead on Chestnut street, and opened what is 
now Pearl street to Spring street. He built and occupied 
for a time a house on Howard street, afterwards bought the 
"Byers cottage" on State street, where he lived. The 
land on which this house stood formed what is now the 
southwest entrance to the Armory grounds, corner of State 
and Byers streets, and was sold by him to the U. S. Gov- 
ernment. The cottage stands on the west side of Byers 
street (which was opened in 1848), and is owned and occu- 
pied by David E. Taylor. 

About the year 1850 Colonel Shurtleh with two others 
bought a large portion of the island at Bellows Falls, Vt., 
consisting of a tract of land in the Connecticut river, 
adjoining the Falls, a valuable water power owned at that 
time by parties in England. They developed the property 
by erecting a hotel thereon which was afterwards destroyed 
by fire. Finally the Island House was advertised to be 
opened to the public by a lessee, but he failed to keep his 
engagement. At this juncture Colonel Shurtleff was in- 
duced by the other owners to fill the place of landlord. 
Under his management the hotel became popular and suc- 
cessful. 

In politics he was a Whig of the old school and took 
great interest and was an active worker in political affairs. 
He was an attendant at the First Congregational Church 
(Rev. Dr. Samuel Osgood) to which his wife was admitted 
a member January, 1841, from the church in Norwich, Vt. 
He married Clarissa Gleason of Fort Covington, N. Y , at 
the house of her sister, the wife of Judge William Steele of 
Sharon, Vt. Mrs. Shurtleft^ died at Bellows Falls. Vt., in 
1853. In June, 1856, owing to his greatly impaired health, 
and that he might have the best medical advice, Colonel 
Shurtleff went to Hanover, N. H., where he died on the 6th 



338 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHA15ITANTS 




CICERO SIMONS. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 339 

of June, at the house of Mrs. Joseph lunerson, a daughter 
of his uncle, Prof. Roswell Shurtleff of Dartmouth College, 
at the age of 59 years, and was buried by the side of his 
wife in Springfield (Peabody) Cemetery. 

Colonel Shurtlefif was of a commanding personal 
presence, genial, humorous, and companionable, fond of a 
good horse, of which he was a judge and skillful manager. 
A noticeable intimacy existed between the Colonel and 
Dr. Osgood, who was his pastor and friend. The esteem 
in which he was held was manifested by the Doctor through 
the columns of the local press, at his death, in a manner 
wholly in keeping with his character as a gentleman of 
much public and private worth. Children : William Steele 
Shurtlefi", lawyer, a graduate of Yale College in i<S54, 
admitted to the bar in 1856, appointed judge of the court 
of probate and insolvency in the place of Judge John Wells, 
who resigned in Se])tember, 1863. In the War of the 
Rebellion he went as lieutenant colonel in the 46th Regiment 
Infantry (9 months men). From his ability as a commander, 
the regiment owed much of its efficiency and reputation. 
He became colonel in January, 1863, on the resignation 
of Colonel Bowler. Judge ShurtlefT has been for many 
years secretary of the Springfield Institution for Savings. 
Roswell G. Shurtleff, the well-known landscape artist, many 
of whose pictures are owned in Springfield, was for twenty- 
one years, from 1861, the commanding officer's clerk, at the 
U. S. Armory. 

Mr. Cicero Simons, merchant, was born in Suffield, 
Conn., in 1807. He was the son of Theodore Simons, who 
died in Suffield. Conn., February 17, 1821, aged 42, and 
Tabitha King, his wife, who died September 22, 1881, aged 
97 years. Their children were Cicero, Zeno, Charlotte, 
Rosetta, and Iddo. 

At an early age Cicero Simons came to Springfield, and 
engaged in business. In 1828 he was a partner with 
Jonathan Wright, under the firm name of Wright & Simons, 



340 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHAIHTANTS 

in the harness and trunk business. They dissolved February 
lo, 1830. Afterwards he was with the late George A. 
Kibbe, in the manufacture of confectionery under the firm 
name of Simons & Kibbe. From thence he went into the 
grocery trade on his own account. In 1837 he formed 
a copartnership with James Bostwick and James Wallace, 
under the firm name of Bostwick, Simons & Co., as grocers 
and confectioners, but in a few years the late William W. 
Lee became associated with him, the firm being Simons & 
Lee, in the old Dwight building, corner of Main and State 
streets, where the Savings Bank block now is. Mr. Simons 
was a director in 1850-51-52-53, in the old Springfield 
Bank, now the Second National. 

His first wife was Mary E. Bostwick. She died March 
25, 1844, aged 31 years, no children. He married for a 
second wife Harriet Winter of Manchester, Conn. She 
was born in Belchertown, Mass. Children : Henry K. 
Simons, a prominent banker, William C, insurance, and 
Mary B., wife of James R. Wells, registrar of deeds, all of 
Springfield, Mass. Mr. Simons was an estimable and 
loyal citizen. He died suddenly August 13, 1853, aged 
46 years. 

Dr. Amos Skeele was born in Southbury, Conn., 
April 25, O. S., May 6, N. S., 1750. At the commence- 
ment of the Revolutionary War he entered the American 
Army by a temporary enlistment, and was in the battle at 
White Plains. Upon a sudden call in 1777, he went in 
pursuit of the British soldiers as they were retreating from 
Danbury, Conn., and while engaged in the attack upon 
them was wounded by a bullet in his right arm, which so 
injured him that he was unfitted for the pursuit of agri- 
culture, in which he was engaged previous to his entering 
the army. He then turned his attention to the study of 
medicine. For a time he studied in Litchfield, Conn., but 
during the greater part of his preparations he was under 
the instruction of Dr. Hastings, at Bethlehem, Conn. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 34 1 

While residing in that town he had the privilege of sitting 
under the preaching of Rev. Dr. Bellamy. He entered 
upon the practice of his profession in 1783 at Hampton, 
Conn. He removed to Middle Haddam, Conn., in 1787, 
and resided in the northeastern part of the town. In 1795 
he removed to Somers, Conn., and from thence, in 1804, 
he removed to Chicopee, Mass., where he practiced medi- 
cine until he was eighty years old. 

Dr. Skeele was chosen deacon of the church in Chicopee 
(street), in 18 13, and held the office until 1826. " He was 
very active in promoting its religious interests, and for a 
long period discharged the duties of piety to God, and 
beneficence to men with remarkable fidelity." 

His wife, Lucy, died May 30, 1854, aged 92 years. He 
died March 2, 1843, at the age of 93 years. Children : three 
sons, three daughters. 

Da\id Smith was born at Feeding Hills, Mass., March 
19, 1803. He was apprenticed to a carriage maker, and 
having learned his trade came to Springfield in 1827, and 
commenced business on his own account in a small shop 
on Main street, near the corner of Park street, which he 
continued there with marked success until his decease in 
1875, since which time it has been carried on by his son, 
William H. Smith. 

In 1843 Mr. Smith joined the Methodist church which 
stood on the corner of Union and Mulberry streets. Sev- 
eral years ago the property was sold to the late Col. James 
M. Thompson, when the church was torn down and carried 
away. Mr. Smith left the Union Street Church to help 
found the Pynchon Street Church, which afterwards grew 
to be the Trinity Church on East Bridge street. He was 
chairman of the board of trustees of Trinity Church for 
many years, and was foremost to assist in building up the 
Central Methodist Church (Grace Church), towards which 
he contributed about $18,000. To his liberality in religious 
undertakings the Methodist societies in this city are largely 



342 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




DAVID SMITH. 



Portrait taken in 1855. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 345, 

indebted for their prosperous condition. He was one of 
the trustees in the Five Cents Savings Bank, an alderman 
in 1855, from Ward three, a director in the Springfield 
Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October 6, 1845, to 
October 2, 1848, and from October 5, 1863, to October 3, 
1864. 

May 20, 1828, he married Harriet Griffin. She died 
March 5, 1870, aged 69 years. He died April 9, 1S75, aged 
72 years. Children: one son, two daughters. 

Mk. Henry Smith, a merchant, was born November 
13, 1803. When a young man he was clerk for Howard 
& Lathrop, paper manufacturers ; afterwards he went to 
New York and engaged in the dry goods trade for a 
few years, then returned to Springfield and followed the 
same business in the firm of Smith & Willard (Daniel W. 
Willard), and in 1838 Smith & Orne (William W. Orne), 
and afterwards on his own account. He was register of 
probate for Hampden county from March 30, 1853, to 1855, 
and one of the assessors of Springfield in 1 85 8-59-60-61. 

He was a prominent member of the Unitarian society, 
and was its clerk for twenty years, from 1844 to 1864. On 
the death of his uncle, Hon. James Byers, in 1854, he inher- 
ited considerable property, which enabled him to retire 
from active business. 

He married Miss Adams, a sister of the late Dr. Nathan 
Adams. Mr. Smith was a respected citizen, of undeviating 
probity and much social worth. He died October 4. 1872, 
aged 69 years. 

Mr. Horace Smith, an inventor, son of Silas Smith, 
was born in Cheshire, Mass., October 28, 1808. About the 
year 1812 his parents moved to Springfield, where his 
father secured employment at the U. S. Water Shops, and 
Horace worked in the forging department as a helper. In 
1842 he went to Norwich, Conn., and entered the service of 
Allen Thurber, manufacturer of firearms, and later was a 



344 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

member of the firm of Cranston & Smith In 1852 he was 
employed by Allen & Luther, manufacturers of firearms at 
Worcester, Mass., where he first met D. B. Wesson. In 
1853 they formed their first partnership as Smith & Wesson, 
and went to Norwich, Conn., and established a factory for 
making the Winchester rifle. In 1855 they sold out the 
business to the present Winchester Arms Company at New 
Haven, and Mr. Smith moved to Springfield, where for two 
years he kept a livery stable on Sanford street in company 
with his brother-in-law, William Collins. In 1857 he formed 
a second partnership with Mr. Wesson for the manufacture 
of revolvers, having a shop in the Wilcox building" on Market 
street, near the corner of State street, where they remained 
until i860, when they moved into their new shop on Stock- 
bridge street, which had in the mean time been erected. 
In 1874 Mr. Smith sold out his interest in the business to 
his partner, Mr. Wesson, and retired. 

Mr. Smith was an alderman in 1859, from Ward seven, 
and in 1862-63, from Ward six. In 1865 he was elected a 
director in the Chicopee National Bank, and in July, 1887, 
was elected president and held that office at the time of his 
death. He was a trustee in the Springfield Institution for 
Savings from 1877; was a director in the Worthy Paper 
Company, West Springfield, and in the Riverside Paper 
Company, Holyoke, also a director in the City Library 
Association for many years. 

He w^as a member of the Methodist society, and gave 
liberally towards its support, having furnished a large part 
of the funds for building the Asbury Church on P'lorence 
street, in which he was a trustee. For a time he was con- 
nected with Trinity Church on Bridge street, and for a few 
years was a trustee of Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, 
Mass. 

Mr. Smith "will pass into local history as the most 
liberal public benefactor that Springfield has ever had," his 
bequests for public institutions being as follows : — 



AND MANSIONS OF SF^KINGFIELD. 

Springfield City Library Association, 

Springfield Hospital, to be used in the support of free beds 
for the deserving sick and injured, 

Home for Friendless Women and Children, $25,000 for the 
children's department in memory of his wife. Mary 
Lucretia Smith, and $5,000 for the women's depart- 
ment. 

Young Men's Christian Association, for building, 

Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, for the endowment fund. 

Women's Christian Association on Bliss street, 

Springfield Home for Aged Women, 

Tuskegee College for colored youth, in Alabama, 

International Y. M. C. A. Training School, secretarial 
department. 

School for Christian Workers, 

Hampden County Children's Aid Society, 

Union Relief Association for the Day Nursery and Indus- 
trial House. 

L. W. Brook's School for colored children at Bentsville, \'a., 

Moody's Northfield Seminary, 

Total, 



345 

$50,000 

30,000 



30.000 
25,000 
25,000 
20,000 
1 5,000 
10.000 

5,000 
5.000 
5,coo 

5,000 

3,coo 

1 5,000 

$243,000 



He married Eliza Foster of Springfield. She died 
December 4, 1S36, aged 31 years. Children: a son who 
died in infancy, and Dexter Smith, who died December 4, 
1892, in his 60th year. He married for a second wife Eliza 
Jepson of Springfield. She died February 20, 1872, aged 
71 years. His third wife was Mary Lucretia Hebard of 
Norwich, Conn. She died April 30, 1887, aged 59 years. 
He died January 15, 1893, aged 84 years. 



Dr. James Morven Smith, son of Nathan Smith (who 
founded and occupied the Chair of Surgery in Dartmouth 
College, and later went to Yale), was born in Cornish, N. H., 
September 23, 1805. He graduated in medicine, March, 
1827, from Jefferson College, Philadelphia, and from Yale 
College in 1828. He settled in Westfield. Mass., in 1830, 
where he practiced his profession until 1838. In the 
autumn of 1839 he removed to Baltimore, Md., to take 



346 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




.£^_ A^. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 347 

charge of the practice of his brother, Professor Nathan R. 
Smith, he being absent in Kentucky delivering lectures 
on surgery. Dr. Smith came to Springfield about the year 
1841, and resided here until his death by the railroad 
disaster at Norwalk, Conn., May 6, 1853, at the age of 
47 years. Dr. Smith was " eminent as a surgeon, and as a 
counselor he possessed the confidence of the community 
and his fellow members of the profession." 

His first wife was Martha Ann Page. She died F"ebruary 
3, 1843, aged 35 years. Dr. David P. Smith, who was 
Professor of Surgery in Yale College, and died December 
26, 1880, at the age of 50 years, and Lieut. James M. 
Smith, U. S. A., who died at Washington, D. C, April 25, 
1893, were his sons. He married for a second wife Jane 
Taylor Sherman, a great granddaughter of Roger Sherman, 
one of the framers of the Declaration of Independence. 
She was born June 18, 1823. After the death of Dr. Smith 
she married James H. Osgood, New York city. The only 
survivor of the family is Mr. W. W. Smith of that city. 

Dr. Smith, while residing in Baltimore, performed a 
most remarkable and successful operation. " A lad had 
suffered a terrible compound fracture of both thighs by a 
railroad car. The council of surgeons present were divided 
in regard to the propriety of amputation. Dr. Smith 
strongly urged the operation, on the ground that speedy 
death was the inevitable result of the omission of it, and 
that recovery was the possible issue of the bolder course. 
He declared his willingness to assume the responsibility 
of the operation ; and the case was placed in his hands. 
He amputated both thighs in quick succession ; and, although 
the exhaustion of the patient was extreme, reaction 
resulted, and the patient recovered. The amputations 
were performed so high as to be almost equivalent to 
amputations at the hip-joints. The subject of the operation 
lived some years, an industrious and useful citizen, although 
without a vestige of a lower extremity." 



348 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Mr. Simon Smith was born in Granby, Mass., October 
18, 1795. His father was Jerad Smith, and his mother 
Irene Montague of South Hadley, both descendants of the 
first settlers of Hadley, Mass. His father dying when 
Simon Smith was fourteen years old, he went to live with 
an uncle in Castleton, Vt., who promised to give him a farm 
if he would remain with him until he was twenty-one years 
old, but, after remaining a year, having a preference for the 
carpenter's trade, he returned to Granby, and went to 
work for a Mr. Moody, and afterwards for a Mr. Preston, a 
builder. He was in Mr. Preston's employ at Hinsdale, 
Pittsfield, and Westfield, until 18 18, when he came to 
Springfield and worked for Simon Sanborn until 1820, 
when he returned to Westfield, where he was married Sep- 
tember 20, 1820, to Anna Bush of that town. He returned 
to Springfield in 1822, but, having a contract for a building 
in Westfield, he returned there in 1824. In 1826, after the 
commencement of the building of the factories and board- 
ing house at Chicopee Falls, he returned to Springfield and 
made a contract with Simon Sanborn for making the win- 
dow sash for them. He afterwards, for about twelve years, 
made sash manufacture a specialty, then, upon the advent 
of machine sash, he engaged somewhat in building until 
about 1857, when his health failing he practically retired 
from business. He was a just and upright citizen. 

His wife was born March 4, 1 801, and died May 2, 1869, 
aged 68 years, 2 months. He died July 30, 1867, aged 71 
years, 9 months. Children: five sons. Now living (1893) : 
George Smith of Springfield and Hervey Smith of Stam- 
ford, Conn. 

Col. William Smith, an officer during the Revolu- 
tionary War, was born in 1756. He was engaged in trade, 
and married a sister of James Byers. He was the father 
of Henry Smith, for many years a dry goods merchant in 
Springfield. Colonel Smith had a store on Main street in 
a wooden building which stood nearly opposite the old 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



349 



Exchange Hotel. Many years ago it was removed to Spring 
street, and is now occupied as a dwelling, being No. 65. 

Colonel Smith died suddenly in a fit, in this town, on 
the 1 8th of February, 1806, at the age of 50 years. 

Hon. Wells Southworth, son of Dr. Abiah South- 
worth (who practiced his profession successfully in Pelham, 
Mass., for over forty years), was born August 17, 1799. 
He was a descendant of Alice Southworth, who came after 
the death of her first husband — Edward Southworth — to 
America, in 1623, and married William Bradford, the second 
governor of Plymouth Colony. Wells Southworth com- 
menced business in 1823 as a merchant in Pelham, Mass. 
In 1828 he moved to Chicopee Falls, Mass., and carried on 
the same business until 1839. He then removed to Mitti- 
neague, where he built a paper mill and founded the South- 
worth (Paper) Company, and was its president for more than 
forty years. He was a member of the House in the Legisla- 
ture from Springfield in 1835-36, and from West Springfield 
in 1850. 

In September, 1S2S, he married Rebecca C. Woodburn 
of Salem, Mass. She died in Chicopee Falls, January 30, 
1839. In November, 1840, he married for a second wife 
Mrs. P'rances Rebecca Lyon, daughter of K. T. Smith of 
South Hadley. She died March 5, 1844, in West Spring- 
field. On the 17th of March, 1845, he married for a third 
wife Harriet Maria Jillett, daughter of Rev. Moses Jillett 
of Rome, N. Y. 

In 1854 he removed to New Haven, Conn., where in 
1855 he organized the City of New Haven Fire Insurance 
Company, and was its president for ten years. He was a 
stockholder and a director in the Tradesmen's Bank, and 
the Second National Bank in New Haven, and a stock- 
holder in the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad 
Company. 

He was a prominent meniber of the North Congrega- 
tional Church, New Haven. " His liberal gifts, large busi- 



350 SKETCHES OP' THE OLD INHABITANTS 

ness tact, genial and kindly nature, and his intelligence 
were elements which made his prominence in the commu- 
nity." He died in New Haven, Conn., June 29, 1882, in 
the 83d year of his age. Children living ( 1893 ) : two sons, 
one daughter. 

Capt. Luther Spencer, merchant, was born in Suffield, 
Conn., January 19, 1806. When a young man he came to 
Springfield, and about the year 1829, opened a china, earthen, 
and glass ware store, on Main street, where the Springfield 
Institution for Savings block stands. First he had as a 
partner, James S. Dwight. On the first of June, 1831, he 
formed a partnership with William W. Orne, under the firm 
name of Luther Spencer & Co. In a few years, about 1836, 
they sold out to Moore & Sanderson (William Moore and 
Asa W. Sanderson). Mr. Spencer (in 1854) entered into 
the service of the Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance 
Company, where he remained until ill health obliged him to 
retire from work. 

March 14, 1830, he was commissioned ensign, First 
Regiment Light Infantry, First Brigade, Fourth Division, 
Massachusetts Volunteer Militia ; Lieutenant, August 5, 
1831 ; captain, November 13, 1832 ; discharged January 
10, 1834. 

September 3, 1834, he married Caroline Carew, daughter 
of Capt. Joseph and Laura (Bugbee) Carew. She was born 
May 7, 1811. He died March 9, 1863, aged 57 years. 
Children now living (1893) : Mrs. Laura (Spencer) Ham- 
ilton, Miss Caroline Spencer. 

Hon. Charles Stearns, son of Eli Stearns and Mary, 
his wife, was born in Lancaster, Mass., November 15, 1788. 
He came to Springfield in 1812, learned the trade of a 
mason in Boston, and for many years was the leading mas- 
ter mason of the town. He was one of the selectmen in 
1827-28-29-30. In 1833 he was a dealer in coal. A 
member of the Legislature in the House in 1834 and 1836, 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



Oi 



and in the Senate in 1845. He subscribed ^100 to the fund 
for the purchase of land now Court Square. 

Mr. Stearns was the most enterprising man of his day in 
Springfield. He early became an operator in real estate. 
He built and owned many houses. He was the originator 
and chief manager of the Springfield Aqueduct Company, 
which is now merged in the present city water works. He 
assisted in getting subscriptions to the stock of the Western 
Railroad (now Boston & Albany), and in procuring experi- 
mental surveys for the same. In 1837, in connection with 
the late George Bliss, Jr., he bought for about $12,000, the 
land on which Worthington street is laid out, which he 
opened to Spring street. He took the contract from the 
town to cover over Garden brook from Chestnut street 
down to and along Main street. He was active and prom- 
inent in starting the Indian Orchard enterprise. In the 
spring of 1836 he took the contract to build the road (five 
miles in length) from Chicopee Falls to Jenksville,for $2,000, 
one-half to be paid by the county and the other half by the 
town ; the road cost about $3,000. His controversy with 
Gen. James VV. Ripley in regard to the change of manage- 
ment of the U. S. Armory, from a civil to a military super- 
intendency, occurred in 1845. 

A few years before the close of his life he was engaged 
upon a history of Springfield. It was never published, 
which is to be regretted, the manuscript which he left 
unfortunately having been destroyed. 

His first wife, Julia Ann , died January 29, 1S33, 

aged 34 years. A son, Charles W., was born to them. 
His second wife was Amanda Norcross of Monson, Mass., 
whom he married in 1834. She died April 7, 1836, aged 
33 years. His third wife -was Mary Stebbins, daughter of 
Festus Stebbins. Mr. Stearns died at Northampton, Mass., 
March 11, 1S60, aged 71 years, 3 months, 24 days. 



Cc^Ct^ QyLC^^^^?<r^^ 



Autograph written December 30, 1837. 



352 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 








This house was built by Joseph Stebbius, Jr., in the year 1774, and was used 
as a public house in the time of the Revolutionary War, and occupied by the 
Stebbins family until 1S27 ; it then passed into the hands of Thomas Bond, until 
1842, when it was purchased by Horatio Sargeant, who occupied it until 1864. The 
house stood on Main street, near the corner of Sargeant street, and about twenty 
five years ago was moved to Congress street, and is now No. 6:;. Its exterior (the 
roof) is so changed that it cannot be easily recognized. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 353 

]\Ir. Festus Stedbins, a farmer, was born March 5, 
1768. He was one of the incorporators of the Spring- 
field Mutual Fire Assurance Company, which was incorpo- 
rated February 23, 1827. 

He married He died June 21, 1850, aged 82 years. 

Children: seven sons, one daughter. Now living (1893): 
Charles Stebbins, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Dr. Richard Stebbins, 
Omaha, Neb. ; Mrs. Charles Stearns, Springfield. 

Mr. John Charter Stebbins was born at South 
Wilbraham, Mass. (now Hampden), September 28, 1794. 
When a young man he came to Springfield, and commenced 
work at the U. S. Armory, where he remained thirty-one 
years, until 1845. 

May 18, 1820, he married Annis Griggs at Brimfield, 
Mass. She was born at Ashford, Conn., January 27, 1797, 
and died in Springfield, June 27, 1881, aged 84 years, 5 
months. He died September 6, 1876, aged 81 years, 11 
months. Children : one son, six daughters, two of whom 
died when young. 

Mr. Stebbins was the possessor of an old oaken chair 
made from a piece of timber taken from the old Pynchon 
Fort, which was torn down in 1831. The chair is a pattern 
of the " fiddle back " style, with eagle's claws grasping 
spheres for supports. The chair was used by the president 
of the Hampden Mechanics Association, of which Mr. 
Stebbins was a member and its first secretary. It is now 
in the possession of his son, E. C. Stebbins, Springfield. 

Major Joseph Stebbins, Jr., who was born in 1736, 
at the time of the Revolutionary War was keeping a 
tavern, and had at times a stock of rum and molasses in his 
cellar, the spoils of American privateers, which had to be 
secreted far from the coast to prevent seizure by the British. 
A paymaster in the Continental Army deposited several 
thousand dollars of paper money with Major Stebbins. 
until he could send for it, and went away. He was never 



354 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

heard from afterwards, much to the discomfiture of the 
Major, in having so large an amount of Government funds in 
his charge, though afterwards it became worthless. At one 
time during the Shays rebellion in 1787, the northern 
wing of the malcontents under Eli Parsons, with a force of 
four hundred men from Berkshire county, who had taken 
a position in the north part of the town (Chicopee), were in 
part cjuartered in this house. The trees in North Main 
street were set out in 1770, by the Major and his son Festus 
Stebbins. 

He died April 12, i-Sig, in the 83d year of his age. 

Capt. Ouartus Stebbins was born November 21, 1772. 
A farmer. On the threatened invasion of our ports by the 
British cruisers during the War of 181 2-1 5, the governor 
of Massachusetts ordered a draft from the militia of the 
state to march to Boston, to repel any attack if made. 
Captain Stebbins went with the brigade under Gen. Jacob 
])liss. They were stationed at Dorchester, on Commercial 
point, and remained in camp about forty da3's, when they 
were discharged. 

Captain Stebbins married Eunice Burt of Longmeadow. 
She died October i, 1838, aged 60 years. He died at 
Brecksville, Ohio, September 14, 1829, in the 57th year of 
his age. 

Mr. Theodore Stebbins, son of Festus Stebbins, was 
born December 9, 1802. When a young man he went to 
New York and engaged in the dry goods trade. After 
many years of successful business, he returned to Spring- 
field. He was a director in the Agawam Bank, and was 
its president from 1856 until 1862. He was a member of 
the House of Representatives from Springfield in 1853 and 
in 1862. He died January 28, 1862, aged 59 years. 

Mr. Walter Stebbins was born in 1768. A farmer. 
He lived in the house which was built by his father, Thomas 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 355 

Stebbins, in 1745, and which stood on the site where now 
is the fine brick residence of his daughter, Miss Angeline 
Stebbins, Main street. 

He died June 21, 1852, aged <S4 years. 

Mr. Zebina Stebbins was born August 29, 1755. A 
merchant. He had a store on Main street, now northeast 
corner of Ferry street, where he sold dry goods, drugs, 
medicines, etc. He lived on the northwest corner of Main 
street and "Ferry lane," now Cypress street. He had a 
rope and cordage factory on Ferry lane in 1803. It was a 
long, low building, and it tumbled down in 1839. With 
Thomas Stebbins he carried on the dyeing business. Fol- 
lowing is a copy of their business announcement : — 

•'BLUE DYEING. 

" Zebina and Thomas Stebbins having commenced their blue dyeing, 
those who may wish either cotton or hnen yarn dyed may have it done 
on the usual terms. 

"Springfield. May 23, 1810." 

One Sunday forenoon, July 9, 1826, his house took fire 
and was burned to the ground. With what furniture was 
saved from the fire he moved across the street into the build- 
ing now owned by the heirs of Jeremiah Whalen, northeast 
corner of F^erry street, and lived there until his death. 

He and Mary, his wife, became members of the First 
Church in November, 1785, under Rev. Robert Breck. 
He was one of the assessors of the town in the year 1800, 
and a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance 
Company from May 14, 1827, to October i, 1827, and the 
first president of the company, holding the office from May 
15, 1827, to July 25, 1S27. 

September 2"], 1784, he married Mary Snow. She was 
born March 7, 1762, and died May 25, 1841, aged 79 years, 
2 months. He died October 6, 1835, aged 80 years, i 
month. Children : six sons, one daughter. 

One day as David Ames, Sr., was passing by Zebina 
Stebbins's store, he saw (as he supposed) Mr. Stebbins at 



356 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




This house, 177 Main street, northeast corner of Ferry street, was built by 
Zebina Stebbins about the year 1770 for a store. The printing lousiness was carried 
on in this house previous to 1800. The grandfather of the present Samuel Bowles 
lived in the house when he first came to this town from Hartford, Conn. 



ANJ) MANSIONS OF SI'KlNi.F IKLD. 



357 




^ 



.^i**'^^^^^ ^^^%^^^^'>^^ 



Autograph wrilleii March 7, iSi^. 



358 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

the window, and bowed to him, but received no sign of recog- 
nition, which gave much offense to Mr. Ames, as they were 
firm friends. When they next met the matter was explained. 
It appeared that Mr. Ames had paid his respects to a portrait 
of Mr. Stebbins, having taken it for the real living person. 

The building on the northeast corner of Main and Ferry 
streets formerly stood on the southwest corner of Main 
street and Ferry lane, and was occupied by Dr. Charles 
Pynchon as an office and apothecary shop. Zebina Steb- 
bins, who lived on the northwest corner of Main street and 
Ferry lane, offered to lease Samuel Lyman the spot of 
ground on which the building now stands, to have it 
removed there, as it obstructed his view. 

The following is a copy of the lease for 999 years, as 
recorded in the office of the Hampden County Register of 
deeds, l^ook 28, page 330: — 

"This indenture made the 23d day of November, A. D. 1785. 
between Zebina Stebbins and Samuel Lyman, both of Springfield in 
the county of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
WMtnesseth. that the said Zebina for the consideration of £(:> los. law- 
ful money, to be paid in manner hereafter mentioned, doth let, lease, 
give, bargain, grant & demise to the said Samuel, his heirs and 
assigns, that parcel or tract of land under a large Store & Stair case 
at the south end of said store leading against the printing office, 
together with the privilege or right of passing & repassing to and 
from the cellar door, at the north end of said building, and Store stand, 
and is situated in said Springfield, fronting the head of the lane lead- 
ing to the Great Ferry. To have and to hold, use, occupy, and 
improve the said land cK: privilege and appurtenances thereunto, 
belonging to him, the said Samuel, his heirs and assigns for and during 
the term of nine Jnindred and ninety-nine years, yielding therefore «X: 
])aying to the said Zebina, his heirs and assigns, the aforesaid sum of 
six pounds, ten shillings, at that period of time, when the printing busi- 
ness shall cease to be done, and performed in said store within a 
reasonable time thereafter if demanded. 

'■ In witness whereof the said parties have hereunto interchangeably 
set their hands and seals the day & year aforesaid. 

" Signed, sealed & delivered "ZEBINA STEBB 1 N S. and Seal. 

in presence of ugAM^ LYM A N, and Seal. 

•'Ahr^' Rh'LEV, 

" Gad SxEiiiUNS. 



AND MAXSIONS OF SPKINGF lELO. 



359 




JAMES STK15BINS. 
From a painting by J.inics \V. Slock. 



360 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

•• Rec'd February 14, 178S, six pounds, ten shillings lawful 
money, being the consideration within mentioned, and in full of all 
demands for the premises therein described. 

'•ZEBINA STEBBINS. 
" Rec'd February 15, 1788, & registered from the original. 

•pr WM. PYNCHON, Reg'r." 

This incident of Zebina Stebbins's horse is related : 
" On Sundays they used to ride to church in a one horse 
shay, and were prompt to start at the ringing of the bell. 
One morning they were delayed. The horse hearing the 
bell strike, walked off with the empty shay to the church, 
stopped for a moment at the door, then went to the shed, 
where he remained till church Vv^as out ; then he backed out, 
stopped again at the church door, and went home to his 
master's house, and returned to his stable." 

In those days it was said that whoever possessed intelli- 
gence above his fellow beings was '^ as smart as Zebina s 
horsey 

Zebina Stebbins's children: Rowland Stebbins, born 
September 6, 1785, died August 16, 1856, aged 71 years, 
unmarried ; James Stebbins, born May 9, 1787, died March 
10, 1850 ; Christopher Stebbins, born December 16, 1790, 
died August i, 1857 ; Caroline Stebbins, born June 12, 1793, 
died August 20, 1834; William Stebbins, born March 18, 
1795, died September 15, 1858 ; John 11 M. Stebbins, born 
July 13, 1798, died June 30, 1869; Joshua Stebbins, born 
April 4, 1800, died October 8, 1801. 

James Stebbins, Esq., was born May 9, 1787. Studied 
law and was admitted to the bar in 1813 and practiced in 
Palmer, where he had removed. In 1846 or 1847, he 
returned to Springfield. He was noted for his wit. Un- 
married, lie died March 10, 1850, in the 63d year of his 
age. 

Christopher Stebbins was born December 16, 1790. 
He was drowned July 23, 1793, " but brought to life again by 
the providence of God." When a young man he drove 
stage for the late Chester W. Chapin. He afterwards 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



S'>l 







l\ 



[. IS. M. STKHl'.IXS. 



362 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

became one of the firm of the John Cooley & Co. freight 
boat Hne between Springfield and Hartford, having an office 
in the latter place. When the company closed up their 
business he returned to Springfield, where he died August 
I, 1857, aged 66 years, 7 months. Unmarried. 

Caroline Stebbins, born June 12, 1793. was the only 
daughter of Zebina and Mary Stebbins. She married a 
Mr. Lawrence of Monroe, Michigan. In 1834 she made a 
visit to her parents in Springfield ; on her return to Monroe, 
she was taken with the cholera, and died August 20, 1834, 
aged 41 years. 

William Stebbins was born March 18, 1795. He was 
a carpenter by trade, and went to Rochester, N. Y. Was 
married. Children : three sons and one daughter. He 
returned to Springfield in 1857. His first wife dying, in 
1858 he married Miss Elvira A. Cambell of New York. 
He died September 15, 1858, aged 63 years, 5 months, 
28 days. 

John Kyles Marshall Stebbins, Esq., was born July 
I3> 1798. He was a clerk in the office of the Connecticut 
River Transportation Company (firm of John Cooley & Co.), 
between Springfield and Hartford. He was afterwards a 
member of the firm. The most of the time during the 
existence of the firm, Mr. Cooley was a retired partner 
with a yearly salary for the use of his name in the firm's 
business, which he had previously built up. The members 
of the firm besides Mr. Stebbins and Mr. Cooley were 
Edmund Palmer, Henry Palmer, Hosea Day, Sylvester 
Day, Roderick Ashley, and Christopher Stebbins. Mr. 
Stebbins was a director in the Agawam Bank at the time of 
his death. He was at one time engaged in the coal and 
flour trade, having an office and store room on the site of 
Isaac Mills's coal office. In 1829 he was elected one of the 
selectmen of the town. 

He married Lois Stebbins, daughter of Calvin Stebbins, 
January 27, 1834. She was born April 7, 1802, and died 
May 6, 1865, aged 63 years. 



AND MAXSIOXS OF .SI'RINr.IMF.LD. 



Sf>5 





tttttJ'' !'^^'"f-i ■"".""■ 

m -■- J ■ • - 




i.\tEJ^^^^ftt 



"Old Poor House," built in 1S02, which stood on Main street near Auburn 
street; was moved to Frery street, now No. 57, about 1S4S. Overseers of ihi- 
poor and of the workhouse May 17, 1S02: Zcbina Stebbins, William Smith. 
John Hooker, William Kly, and Calvin Stcbbins. 



364 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




The residence of Ilenrv Sterns, built in 1S20, situated in what was called 
" Sterns's woods," entrance by Madison avenue; is now owned and occupied by 
William C. White. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 365 

In 18 18 he attended the medical college at New Haven, 
and studied with Dr. Dwight of Hadley, but was obliged to 
give up his profession on account of his health. He then 
went to Monroe. Mich., remained one year, and returned to 
Springfield. His uncle, Pelatiah Bliss, being in feeble 
health, made him the offer of the homestead on Main street, 
the lot extending to the Connecticut river, and the meadow 
lot on the east side of Main street, now Congress street. 
He also had the care of his aunt, Mrs. Bliss. At her death 
the property all came to him. He died June 30, 1869, 
aged 71 years nearly. 

Mr. Henry Sterns, merchant, was born at Halifa.x, Nova 
Scotia, May 11, 1794. He came to Springfield about the 
year 1803, and for many years was a merchant on Main 
street opposite Court Square, having formed a copartnership 
with William Sparhawk, under the firm name of William 
Sparhawk & Co. On the death of Mr. Sparhawk, June 27, 
1834, the late Joseph C. Parsons became a partner under 
the firm name of Sterns <& Parsons. 

In 1 83 1 Mr. Sterns was agent for William Prince & 
Son's Nursery (fruit trees), of Flushing, L. I., and for the 
Manufacturers F'ire Insurance Company of Boston, in 
1849-50; the State Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and 
the New England Mutual Life Insurance Company, also of 
Boston. He was treasurer of the Springfield Institution 
for Savings, from December 24, 1S49, until May, 1858, 
when he was succeeded by Henry S. Lee. 

In P'ebruary, 1826, he married Sophia Dwight, daughter 
of James Scutt and Mary (Sanford) Dwight. She was born 
December 31, 1801, and died at Rome, Italy, July 9, 1885, 
aged 83 years, 6 months. Mr. Sterns died July 29, 1859, ^o^d 
65 years, 2 months, 18 days. Children : two sons, four 
daughters. One of the daughters, Mary Sterns, became 
Countess Marie Catucci, living in Rome, Italy. 



366 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




ELAM STOCKBRIDGE. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 367 

Mr. Elam Stockbkidge was born at South Hadley, 
Mass., March 31, 1792. When fifteen years old he was 
apprenticed to Sylvester Lyman, a tailor at Northampton, 
Mass., and remained with him until he was twenty years of 
age. He afterwards came to Springfield, where Mr. Lyman 
had a branch establishment managed by Sylvester Clark, 
where he held a responsible situation. In 1812 he began 
business on his own account in an upstairs room in a 
wooden building which stood where the Chicopee National 
Bank block stands. Subsequently he moved to a wooden 
building which stood where the First National Bank block 
now is. Being financially successful in his business he 
bought the land now the corner of Main and Stockbridge 
streets and in 1821 built the block thereon known as "Stock- 
bridge block," to which he removed. 

In 1832 he was in partnership with the late Reuben T. 
Safford as merchant tailors, under the firm name of Stock- 
bridge & Safford. In 1861 he became interested in a woolen 
mill located at South Wilbraham, Mass., then under the 
management of Charles E. Parsons, a brother of William 
H. Parsons. In 1866 the company failed, from which 
cause Mr. Stockbridge suffered losses, said to have been 
about $70,000. 

In March, 1873, he was admitted a member of the First 
Congregational Church {Rev. Henry M. Parsons). In 1814 
he married Miss Elizabeth Colton of Springfield, who died 
October 20, 1826, aged 49 years, leaving two daughters, 
Elizabeth C. and Dorothy A. The former married James 
F. Comstock of Hartford, Conn. They removed to St. 
Louis, Mo., where she died at the age of 26 years. Her 
sister Dorothy died soon after. Mr. Stockbridge married 
his second wife in 1833. She died November 8, 1862, aged 
54 years. He died June 2i,i88r, aged 89 years. 

Dr. John Stone, son of John and Lucy Stone, was 
born at Rutland, Mass., May 11, 1763. He studied medi- 
cine with Dr. John PVink of his native town. He began 



368 SKETCHES OF THI': OLD INHABITANTS 

the practice of his profession in Greenfield, Mass. Owing 
to ill health he was compelled to give up his practice there, 
and about the year i<S05 he removed to the city of New 
York, where he remained about two years. Mis health 
becoming restored he returned to Greenfield, and resumed 
his practice, which he continued until 1819, when, having 
sold out his property and business, he removed to Provi- 
dence, R. I., where he remained about two years, and then 
came to Springfield, where at his death he had a large 
and successful practice. He subscribed $100 to the fund 
for the purchase of land now Court Square. He died Sep- 
tember 12, 1838, aged 75 years, 4 months. 

Mr. Warner Claflin Sturtevant, son of Luther 
Sturtevant, a farmer, was born at Keene, N. H., January 
23, 1809. At the age of fourteen years he went to learn 
the trade of a baker. After seven years' apprenticeship he 
was engaged as a journeyman in New Ipswich, N. H., 
Northampton, Mass., Baltimore, Md., and Washington, 
D. C., in all six years. In 1833 he commenced business on 
his own account in Bath, N. H.. where he remained four 
years, and from thence he went to Hanover, N. H., where 
he carried on business for five years. In 1844 he came to 
Springfield, and established himself in business, which he 
carried on until i860, when he retired, selling out to John 
S. Carr. 

He built the block (one-half of it) on Main street known 
as " Union block," and the one on the corner of Townsley 
avenue, which he afterwards sold to D. H. Brigham. 

He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assur- 
ance Company from October i, 1866, and its president 
from October 4, 1869, until his decease in 1891. He was 
a director in the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Com- 
pany from 1859 ^o 1889. In 1852, when the town was 
organized into a city, he was a member of the Common 
Council from Ward two, and an alderman from the same 
ward in 1855. He was a director in the old Western Bank, 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 369 

which was located in Cooley's Hotel block, corner of Main 
and Liberty streets. 

He was twice a member of the Massachusetts House of 
Representatives, serving in 1865 and 1.S72. Mr. Sturtevant 
was a faithful attendant and supporter of the Church of the 
Unity, erected in 1867-68, towards which he gave much 
financial aid. He was alifemember of the City Library Asso- 
ciation, and a member of the Winthrop Club. In 1833 he 
married Miss Abigail Lyon of Northboro, Mass., who died 
in 1S42. Their children living are Warner F. Sturtevant 
of Springfield, Mass., and Albert L. Sturtevant of Wash- 
ington, D. C. In 1844 he married for a second wife Nancy 
Hurd of Bath, N. II. She was born April 14, 181 1 ; died 
April 28, 1885, aged 74 years. A daughter, Abbie M., by 
this marriage, resides in Springfield. Mr. Sturtevant died 
August 21, 1 89 1, aged 81 years, 7 months. 

Dr. James Swan, son of Caleb and Dorcas (Ingalls) 
Swan, was born in Methuen, Mass., October 31, 1794. He 
entered Harvard College, and was graduated in 18 18, and 
from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1826, 
receiving also the degree of master of arts, from Harvard 
the same year. He married in 1822, Martha Swan, of 
Methuen, and afterwards resided in Philadelphia eight 
years, when in 1830 he removed to New Haven, Conn., 
where he became a member of the New Haven Medical 
Association, and was prominent in its affairs, the members 
of which were much given to hospitality. On one occasion 
after his removal to Springfield in 1834, while residing on 
Walnut street, he gave a dinner in honor of the New Haven 
doctors. The association came in a body, making a notable 
gathering and one which is pleasantly remembered by 
members of his family. Dr. Swan was greatly interested in 
temperance, and in the Washingtonian movement, and was 
active in promoting it — lecturing occasionally on the sub- 
ject, with illustrations showing the effects of alcohol upon 
the organs of the body. He was also much interested in 



370 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 









-. 


f 




<^ 


r^: 




"% 




— • 


f^ 


^ 


g 


A 



ABRAHAM G. TANNATT, 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 37I 

Odd Fellowship, and was a charter member of the first 
lodge in Springfield, and largely instrumental in its organ- 
ization. He was a member of the school committee for 
several years. 

Dr. Swan was "a consistent Christian man." He was a 
member of the Fourth Congregational (Olivet) Society, 
and "a person of much sociability, and possessed of a keen 
sense of humor, and a ready fund of anecdotes. Of a 
generous and sympathetic nature, he gave liberally of 
his time and best skill to the poor and unfortunate." 

He died August i6, 1846, in the 52d year of his age. 
His widow is still living with her daughter at Lee, Mass., 
and celebrated her one hundredth birthday on the 17th of 
December, 1892. They had eight children. Now living 
(1893) : Mrs. William D. Brown of Concord, Mass., William 
D. Swan of Philadelphia, and Mrs. John L. Kilbon of Lee, 
Mass. 

Mr. Abraham Gallishan Tannati', publisher and 
printer, was born in Boston at the north end, December 10, 
1793. During his boyhood he was employed in a lawyer's 
office in that city. He afterwards learned the printer's 
trade with John Elliot, on Court street. In 18 16 he started 
the first paper printed in Nantucket. This enterprise did 
not prove successful, leaving him with a debt of seven 
hundred dollars. He returned to Boston, where he worked 
at the case setting music type for a Mr. Frost, a publisher 
of musical works. In a short time he had worked out his 
indebtedness. In 1 8 19, through the influence of Dea. Moses 
Grant, he came to Springfield to be associated with 
Frederick A. Packard, in the publication of his paper, the 
Hampden Federalist. Mr. Packard, who was a lawyer, had 
bought the paper of Thomas Dickman in 181 8, previous to 
engaging Mr. Tannatt as its printer, he himself being the 
editor. In 1822 Mr. Tannatt left the office of the 
Federalist and took the Hampden Patriot, which he pub- 
lished for two years, when it was closed up, and he again 



372 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

joined Mr. Packard on the Federalist, the name of which in 
the mean time had been changed to the Hampden Journal . 
In 1829, Mr. Paci<ard removing to Philadelphia, and 
becoming recording secretary of the American Sunday 
School Union, he took the concern into his own hands and 
conducted it, until 1835, when it was sold to and united 
with the Repiihlieau, which was started in 1824. In 1842 
Mr. Tannatt established a small job office, and at the same 
time commenced the publication of a weekly temperance 
paper called the Hampden Washingtouian, which he 
conducted until 1848. About that time he retired from 
the business of his life, with health much impaired, though 
a short time afterwards he became able to perform the 
duties of a station agent for the Western Railroad (now 
the Boston & Albany), at West Springfield and at Westfield, 
to which he was appointed at different times. 

An old associate said of him : " He was rather quick 
witted and was regarded as a dry joker ; a man of integrity 
and honor, and of generous impulses." He was the first 
secretary of the Hampden Mechanics Association. 

He married Sarah Lombard Frost, daughter of Dr. 
Joshua Frost. She was born May 25, 1798, and died 
January 13, 1838, in the 40th year of her age. Children : 
five sons, two daughters. He married for a second wife 
Mrs. Sarah Pratt Briggs Willard, a widow. She was born 
October 10, 1809, and died December 13, 1848, aged 39 
years. Children : two sons. Mr. Tannatt died May 22, 
1863, in the 70th year of his age. Children now living 
(1893) : Joshua F. Tannatt, Abraham G. Tannatt, both 
of Springfield ; Thomas Tannatt, Honolulu, S. I. ; Willard 
Tannatt, Boston. 

Mr. Franklin Taylor was born at Ballston Springs, 
N. Y., January 10, 1799. When a boy he came to Massa- 
chusetts and learned the carriage and wagon trade. At the 
age of twenty-one years he started business for himself in 
Springfield, having a shop on the east side of Main street 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 373 

about opposite Howard street, where he remained for over 
forty-three years, doing a large business with the Southern 
states, filling contracts for carts for that market. He also 
built the famous candy wagons used by the well known firm 
of Kibbe & Crane for dispensing their " sweets " throughout 
New England, and later used by Kibbe Bros. & Co. His 
shop and houses now extended from Main to Willow street. 
He laid the foundation for and built the first house on 
Howard street, which was afterwards the residence of Hon. 
John Mills, and he built the house which was the home of the 
late Henry Brewer. In 1 820 he united with the First Congre- 
gational Church (Rev. Dr. Osgood), making at the time of his 
death in 1864, a membership of forty-four years. His wife 
joined the church in 1835. December 10, 1821, he married 
Harriet Clapp Tinker of Northampton, Mass. She died in 
Springfield March 7, 1862, aged 59 years. He died March 
6, 1864, aged 65 years. Children : two sons, four daughters. 

Mr. Sylvester Taylor, son of Oliver and Lucy Taylor, 
was born in South Hadley, Mass., February 5, 1793. At 
the age of thirty-five years he removed to Chicopee Falls, 
Mass., with his family, and for twenty-six years was a success- 
ful provision merchant. He was one of the founders of the 
Congregational church at Chicopee Falls, organized July 3, 
1830. He was a representative from Springfield to the 
Legislature in 1839. 

He married Sarah Eaton, daughter of James and Eleanor 
(Chapin) Eaton, of Chicopee, September 12. 1815. She 
was born in Chicopee, July 25, 1793, and died in Chicopee 
Falls, September 10, 1870, aged j-j years. He died in Chic- 
opee Falls, Mass., March 28, 1881, aged 88 years. A much 
respected and honored citizen. Children : seven sons and 
three daughters. All the children lived to grow up, and 
were married, except one daughter who died in infancy. 
Five sons and one daughter are still living (1893) : Ann 
Sophia, Chicopee Falls; George Sylvester, Chicopee Falls; 
Varnum Nash, Springfield ; Charles Andrews, Chicopee 



374 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD IXHARITANTS 




The home of the late Col. James M. Thompson, which was built in 1S33-54, 
and in which he resided until his death in 1SS4. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 375 

Falls ; James Eaton, Chicopee Falls ; David Eaton, Spring- 
field. 

Col. James M. Thompson, was born in Pembroke, 
N. H., July, 18 [ I. He attended the common schools of his 
native town. In 1825, when fourteen years of age, he was 
clerk in a country store. In 1831, at the age of twenty 
years, he started in business for himself, which enterprise 
through the failure of others was closed up. He went to 
New York city in 1838, where he remained about two years, 
when in 1841, he removed to Boston and became clerk for 
Harnden's Express between Boston, Albany, and New York, 
which Mr. Harnden had established that year. It was at 
this time, in August, 1841, that Mr. Harnden sent out to 
Liverpool, Dexter Brigham, Jr., and J. L. Stone to establish 
expresses in London, Liverpool, and Paris. They were 
fortunate in procuring good agents in those cities, and for 
two or three years the English and Continental Express 
was apparently a success, but the great expense in establish- 
ing and running it did not leave any profits. Having thus 
spent his best energies, and much financially, in this enter- 
prise, without sufficient returns, he (Mr. Harnden) disposed 
of his Western Express (Boston, Albany, and New York), 
to quote a prominent expressman, " for a mere song, to 
Mr. Thompson, who was then a clerk in his Boston office, 
and to R. L. Johnson of Albany, N. Y. This magnificent 
route was literally thrown away by Harnden, causing him 
before his death many regrets for his infatuation for estab- 
lishing expresses abroad." 

In 1 842 Mr. Thompson came to Springfield as agent for the 
Harnden Express Company, having an office on Elm street. 
About the year 1852 he admitted as a partner William 
M. Melcher of Lynn, Mass., who had been one of his clerks, 
the firm then being known as Thompson & Company. 
The firm afterwards sold out to the American Express 
Company, in which Mr. Thompson held a position until 
its consolidation with the Merchants' Union. In 1872 the 



376 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Adams Express Company bought the Harnden and other 
lines, when there was a division made of the field between 
that and the American Express Company. Mr. Thompson, 
on the new organization, became a director of the Adams 
Express Company, and its secretary, which office he held 
until his death. 

He was one of the first nine directors of the John 
Hancock Bank, which was organized May i8, 1850, and its 
first president, holding the office from 1850 to 1863; a 
trustee of the Springfield Institution for Savings, from 
185 1, also ser\'ing as vice president, and on the death of 
Josiah Hooker in 1870, he was elected president; one of 
the first ten directors of the Chapin Banking and Trust 
Company, which was organized in 1872, and is now the 
Chapin National Bank, and in July, 1878, he was elected 
president ; a director in the Springfield Gas Light Company 
from 1851 to 1885, and its president from 1870 to 1884; 
a director in the Oak Grove Cemetery Association ; a 
charter member of Hampden Lodge of Odd Fellows, which 
was organized February 7, 1844; one of the first directors 
of the City National Bank, which was organized Septem- 
ber 9, 1879 ! s director and vice-president of the City 
Library Association, and one of its incorporators. He gave 
$3,000 to its building fund. He gave $27,800 to the build- 
ing fund for the Church of the Unity, which was com- 
menced in March, 1867, and finished in February, 1869. 
He was prominent in the affairs of the church and was 
liberal in his gifts for its support ; a member of the parish 
committee for eleven years and moderator of its meetings 
in 1853, 1859, and i860. He was an alderman from Ward 
four in 1871, during the mayoralty of Hon. William L. 
Smith. He purchased for $28,000, the old Unitarian 
church property on State street, where Olmsted & Kirk- 
ham's block now is, which was a timely relief to the 
society. 

He was appointed aide-de-camp with the rank of lieu- 
tenant-colonel on the staft of Gov. John H. Clifford January 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 377 

20, 1853; discharged by reason of expiration of term of 
service January 12, 1854. He was a member of the Senate 
in 1862 from the Eastern Hampden District, and a member 
of several committees in the Senate, and chairman of 
the joint standing committees on the militia ; a member 
of Gov. John A. Andrew's council in 1862. 

In 1835 he married Caroline Matilda Steele, daughter 
of Gurdon and Nancy Steele of Boston, Mass. She died 
June II, 1863, aged 46 years, and was entombed at Mount 
Auburn. An adopted daughter, Katharine, died January 
31, 1875, aged 24 years. In 1S68 he married for a second 
wife Anna Beadle, daughter of Tracy Beadle of Elmira, 
N. Y. Colonel Thompson died March 30, 1884, in the 73d 
year of his age. Children: one son, three daughters. 

Mr. Elisha Tobey, son of Capt. Prince Tobey of New 
Bedford, Mass. (born June 7, 1741, and whose mother was 
Jean de la Noye of Plymouth, Mass., a great great grand- 
daughter of Philip de la Noye, a French Protestant, who 
joined the English at Leyden, and arrived at Plymouth in 
the Fortune, a vessel of fifty-five tons, August 9, 1621), was 
born at Conway, Mass., February 22, 1779. In 1798, when 
a young man, he went to Philadelphia, where he lived until 
1802, when he removed to Springfield, Mass. By occupa- 
tion he was an iron worker, making old style shovels and 
tongs, but soon turned his attention to gunsmithing, the 
gun then being made and finished by hand. He worked in 
a shop on Mill river, but afterwards entered the service of 
the government and was appointed an inspector at the 
U. S. Armory, and held that office until his death, being 
detailed for contract service, visiting the works at Millbury, 
Ludlow (Jencksville), Chicopee, Middletown, Conn., and 
other places. Mr. Tobey was a thorough mechanic. He 
was at one time mentioned as the right man to fill the 
position of master armorer. He was a prominent Mason 
and the first junior warden of Hampden Lodge, 181 8, and 
was secretary of the Morning Star Royal Arch Chapter. 



378 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




ELISHA TOliEV. 



From a painting by Chester Harding, iSav- 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 379 

He was appointed deputy sheriff August 12, 1812, by 
Jonathan Smith, Jr., first high sheriff of Hampden county. 
In I Si 2 he bought of Benjamin Russell, for $600, the 
house which stood on State street where George W. Tap- 
ley's house now stands. His first wife was a Mrs. Gambler 
of Philadelphia. She died in Springfield. Children : two 
sons and three daughters. For a second wife he married 
Miss Sophia Pierre, granddaughter of Enoch Chapin of 
Springfield. She was born in 1788, died in Springfield, 
August 24, 1859, aged 71 years. Children : six sons and 
three daughters. Mr. Tobey died June 30, 1840, aged 61 
years, 4 months. 

Hon. Elifhalet Trask, son of Josiah Trask, was 
born at Monson, Mass., January 8, 1806. When twelve 
years old he went to live with his grandfather in Stafford, 
Conn. At the age of about twenty years he began work in 
a foundry, and from 1828 to 1843 was employed in a foun- 
dry at East Brookfield. 

On the 3d of March, 1829, he was married by Rev. Dr. 
Ely to Ruby Squier, daughter of Solomon and Sarah 
(Moulton) Squier, both of Monson. 

In 1834 he removed to Springfield and went into part- 
nership with his brothers, Lauren and Abner, and estab- 
lished a foundry at the south end on Mill river, where he 
remained two years, and then sold his interest in the busi- 
ness to his brothers, and soon after built a foundry on 
Court street. In about four years he removed to Water 
street, and established what was known as "Trask's Foun- 
dry." 

He joined the Odd Fellows January 6, 1845, was chosen 
treasurer of the Hampden Lodge and held the office two 
terms. In 1847 he was elected noble grand of the organ- 
ization, having previously become vice grand of the lodge. 
He joined the Agawam Encampment, and in 1850 was 
chief patriarch of the "camp." He took much interest in 
the work of the grand lodge and accepted office long 



380 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 



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AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGF lEIJ). 38I 

enough to be titled past warden of the Massachusetts 
Grand Lodge. He was also a Freemason. He was one 
of the leading organizers and promoters of the Universalist 
church. He organized the company which built the church 
on Main street opposite Bliss street, now the property of 
Lawson Sibley and used for business purposes. 

He was, at the town meeting held April 7, 1851, the 
only selectman chosen. He was the first alderman elected 
to the city government from Ward two in 1852 and was 
re-elected for 1853-54 and 1870, and was mayor in 1855. 
It was during his administration that the city hall was com- 
pleted and dedicated. In politics he was a Whig, and 
remained so until the " Know-nothing " party was brought 
into existence. In 1857 he was nominated and elected 
lieutenant-governor on the ticket with Nathaniel P. Banks, 
and took the ofifice in 1858 and was re-elected in 1859-60. 
He was a representative to the Legislature in 1856-57 and in 
1862. He was a director in the Western Bank, which was 
located on Main street, corner of Liberty ; president of the 
Agawam Canal Company for many years, and of the Agawam 
Paper Company from its organization in 1859 ; president 
of the Hampden Savings Bank from 1871 until his death in 
1890, and president of the Hampden Agricultural Society; 
a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Com- 
pany from October 7, 1872, to December 9, 1890; a stock- 
holder and director of the First National Bank, and a 
■ stockholder in the Boston & Albany Railroad, and the New 
York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad ; one of the trustees 
of the hospital for the insane at Northampton, Mass., in 
which position he served for nineteen years from 1856 
until 1875. 

He was a strong temperance advocate, and was active in 
the ranks of the Prohibitionists. With the late Rev. Dr. Sam- 
uel Osgood he worked for many years against the encroach- 
ments of slavery, especially through the so-called "under- 
ground railroad." Of a genial and kindly nature, Lieuten- 
ant-Governor Trask was greatly respected in the commu- 



382 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

nity in which he had for so many years (^fifty-six) resided. 
When the old Universalist church on Main street was being 
built, Dr. Osgood meeting Lieutenant-Governor Trask one 
day said : " Well, brother Trask, what are you building 
here .'' " "A house where the truth will be preached." said 
Mr. Trask. " If it is, there will be a scattering among the 
Universalists," was Dr. Osgood's quick reply. 

Mr. Trask's wife was born August 22, iSii, and died 
November 26, 1S90, aged 79 years, 3 months. 

He died December 9, 1890, at the age of 84 years, 1 1 
months. Children : five sons, five daughters. Now living 
(1893) : Albert Trask, Springfield ; Emma Trask, now Mrs. 
Edward Newcomb, Albany, N. Y. ; Lauraette Trask, now 
Mrs. William H. Hawkins, Springfield ; Harriet F. Trask, 
now Mrs. Harriet G. Davis, Springfield ; Henry F. Trask, 
Springfield ; Ellen A. Trask, now Mrs. H. S. Hyde, Spring- 
field. 

Col. Israel Eliot Trask was born in Brimfield, Mass., 
March 18, 1773. His father was Dr. Israel Trask of that 
town, who was a surgeon in the Continental Army. His 
mother was Sarah Lawrence, daughter of Dr. James Law- 
rence of Wales, Mass. Colonel Trask was educated at 
Yale and Harvard colleges, receiving the honorary degree 
at the latter in 18 14. After leaving Cambridge he com- 
menced the study of law at Richmond, Va. While there, 
during the spring of 1794, the "whisky insurrection" in 
Pennsylvania took place. The President ordered out the 
militia from several states. Mr. Trask volunteered, and 
went with the Virginia troops under General Lee to the 
insurgent district. At the close of the expedition the forces 
were disbanded, and he returned to New England, and 
finished his law studies in the ofTfice of Judge Jacobs at 
Windsor, Vt. lie there entered the U. S. Army and was 
appointed captain i6th U. S. Infantry January 8, 1799, 
and was honorably discharged from service June 15, 1800. 
Soon after his resignation from the U. S. service he was 



AND MANSIONS OK SPKIXOF IKLO. 



3^5 




c^r-Ac t^ <^ y^ csn. 



From a painting by i '.ilhei i S; 



384 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




This stately mansion, 2S4 State street (now tlie residence of Mrs. Amelia P. 
Alexander), was built by James ISyers in 1816-17. In 1820 he sold it to Colonel 
Israel E. Trask, who improved it by adding wings on the east and west sides. They 
were removed several years ago, and a porch made in their place. 

Colonel Trask occupied the house in the spring of 1821. He always passed 
his winters in Mississippi, where he had a plantatioi\ near Woodville. William 
Kirkham, the father of James Kirkham, occupied a part of the house for one year. 
In the summer of 1830 it passed into the hands of Chester Harding, the artist, who 
moved from IJoston and resided there until the autumn of 1832, when he conveyed 
it back to Colonel Trask. Gen. James Barnes, who was superintendent of the 
Western Railroad (now Boston & Albany), occupied the house in 1S39. After 
the death of Colonel Trask in 1835, and during the intervening time between the 
above occupants, his family resided there until 1862, when the property was sold to 
Henry Alexander, Jr., and was his home until his death in 1878. He moved the 
house, which stood near to the corner of Elliott street, to its present location. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 385 

about sailing for France in company with some colle"-e 
friends to enlist in the French army, but while in New 
York Alexander Hamilton, to whom he had letters of 
introduction, strongly advised him to give up his project, 
and go to Natchez in the then territory of Mississippi, and 
commence the practice of law. He heeded this advice and 
went to Natchez in 1801, and soon after entered into 
partnership with Mr. Harding, the attorney-general of the 
territory. 

When Louisiana was purchased from France, in 1803, 
by the United States Government, he was sent by Gover- 
nor Claiborne of that territory to attend the negotiations 
with the French authorities for the transfer of the new ter- 
ritory. When Governor Claiborne went on with the troops 
to take possession, Mr. Trask accompanied him, having 
been appointed colonel on his staff. He was the first 
American to open a law office in New Orleans. After a 
short residence there his health failed and he returned to 
his plantation in Mississippi. About 1812 he disposed of 
his plantations in Mississippi and Louisiana, placing them 
in the care of his brother, and with his family returned to 
Ikimfield, Mass. 

In 1 81 5 he was elected a member of the House of Rep- 
resentatives from his native town, and also a member of 
the Constitutional Convention of 1820, serving on the judi- 
ciary committee. In the spring of 182 1 he removed to 
Springfield, Mass., but owing to his impaired health and 
his business affairs it was necessary for him to pass the 
winters in the South. August 19, 1821, he and his wife 
Elizabeth were admitted members to the First Congrega- 
tional Church (Rev. Samuel Osgood) from the church in 
Brimfield, Mass. Colonel Trask took great interest in the 
benevolent enterprises of the day. He was a member of 
various societies for promoting religious knowledge and 
education, was a contributor to the education fund of Mon- 
son Academy and Amherst College, and was a member 
(from 1821 to 1835) of the first board of (fourteen) trustees 



386 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

of the latter institution. He subscribed $300 to the fund 
for the purchase of land now Court Square. Colonel 
Trask " was a courtly person, of fine presence and graceful 
manners, of unblemished Christian character, and liberal 
in his deeds of charity." 

In i(So3 he married Elizabeth Carter, daughter of Gen- 
eral and Sarah (Parish) Carter, both natives of Charlottes- 
ville, Va. She was born in 1789, and died April 7, i860, 
aged 71 years. Colonel Trask died at Lagrange plantation 
near Woodville, Miss., November 25, 1835, aged 62 years, 
8 months. Children : five sons, four daughters. Now liv- 
ing: Mrs. John G. Tappan, Brookline, Mass., and Mrs. J. 
Remsen Onderdonk, New York city. 

Dr. William Tully was born at Saybrook, Conn., in 
1786; was graduated at Yale College in 1806: studied 
medicine with Dr. Mason Fitch Coggswell of Hartford, 
Conn., and with Dr. Nathan Smith at Dartmouth College. 
He began practice in Milford, Conn., practiced a short time 
in Cromwell, and several vears in Middletown, Conn., and 
practiced a number of years in Albany, N. Y., in partnership 
with Dr. Alden March, and afterwards resided in New Haven 
twenty-one years. He was a professor in the Vermont Acad- 
emy of Medicine at Castleton, for fourteen years, " where 
his department for about half the time was the principles 
and practice of medicine solely, which required one lecture 
a day, and for the other half he taught, in addition. Materia 
Medica and Therapeutics, giving two lectures a day." He 
was for fourteen years professor of Materia Medica and 
Therapeutics in the medical department of Yale College. 
In 1857-58 he published a work upon Materia Medica, 
in two volumes. 

The late Noah Webster, D.D., in the preparation of 
his dictionary, acknowledged his indebtedness to Dr. Tully 
for important aid, in that he had the supervision of the 
department of the work relating to the subject of medicine. 
Dr. Tully died F'ebruary 28, 1859, ^S^^ 73 years. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 387 

Hon. Philos B. Tyler, son of Phineas Tyler, was born 
in Springfield, Mass., in i<Si6. When a young man he 
went to New Orleans, where he was an engineer on the 
New Orleans and (Lake) Pontchartrain Railroad. His 
brother Rufus was in the service of the U. S. Government 
as chief coiner at the mint. Upon his death, which occurred 
September 8, 1839, ^^ the age of 43 years, his brother Philos 
succeeded him. In 1843 he returned to Springfield, and soon 
after organized and was the manager of the American Ma- 
chine Works, which were located on the "Hill," where he 
began the manufacture of cotton presses which were of his 
own invention and bore his name. Steam engines, a rail- 
road switch of his invention, and machinery for various 
purposes were also manufactured. The company had a 
contract from the U. S. Government for the manufacture of 
small arms the last year of the Rebellion. The company 
lost its Southern business owing to the war, and eventually 
went into retirement. Mr. Tyler afterwards moved to West 
Haven, Conn. 

He took an active part in local matters, and was mayor 
of Springfield in 1854. He was one of the signers of a 
remonstrance, made in 1850, in opposition to the election 
of Charles Sumner to a seat in the Senate of the United 
States. He was active in the demonstrations made against 
George Thompson, the English Abolitionist, on his visit 
to Springfield in February, 185 l 

Mr. Tyler married in New Orleans a Mrs. Tyler, a widow, 
a native of Warren, Mass. Her maiden name was Brooks, 

she died Mr. Tyler was a mechanical genius of 

great activity and mental force. His many inventions and 
improvements in machinery yet remain of great value. He 
died in New York city, January 19, 1876, aged 60 years. 



388 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Capt. Charles Jakvis Upham was born at Northamp- 
ton, Mass., in 1801. When a young man he came to 
Springfield and engaged in the drug and medicine business 
on the " Hill," having a store in the block on the southeast 
corner of State and Walnut streets. At one time the late 
Dr. Elisha Edwards was his partner, under the name of 
C. J. Upham & Co. Subsequently he formed a copartner- 
ship with the late Joseph Ingraham, under the firm name of 
Upham & Ingraham, which continued about ten years. He 
was commissioned lieutenant July 24, 1826, in Col. Moses 
Loomis's regiment of cavalry, ist Brigade, 4th Division, M. 
V. M., and promoted captain October 30, 1829. Dis- 
charged February 12, 1833. 

In 1833 he married Eliza Clary, eldest daughter of 
Ethan A. and Electa (Smith) Clary. She was born at 
Ashfield, Mass , in 1808, and died at Cambridge, Mass., in 
1884, aged ']6 years. Captain Upham died at Cambridge, 
Mass., in i85i,aged 50 years. Children: three daughters. 

Mr. Azariah Van Horn, son of Azariah and Sarah 
Van Horn, was born in Springfield, May 16, 1759. ^ ^^'^~ 
mer. During the War of 1812-15 he was drafted to go to 
Boston upon the threatened invasion of the British on our 
coast. He was admitted a member of the First Church 
(Rev. Samuel Osgood), February 18, 18 10. He died in 
Chicopee May 18, 1848, aged 89 years. 

Mr. Gad Van Horn, son of Azariah and Sarah Van 
Horn, was born in Springfield, July 29, 1764. He was a 
millwright. He was drafted to go to Boston upon the 
threatened invasion of the British on our coast during the 
war of 1812-15. 

He married October 7, 1794, Olive, daughter of Henry 
Wright of Wilbraham, Mass. She was born November 
13. ^nZy 3-rid <^'ied in Chicopee, May 5, 1857, aged 83 years, 
5 months, 22 days. Mr. Gad Van Horn died in Chicopee, 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 389 

April 19, 1855, aged 90 years, 8 months, 21 days. Chil- 
dren : three sons, six daughters. 

The following is a copy of a notice in allotting seats in 
the First Church, built in 181S-19. and dedicated August 
19, 1819: — 

" Sept. iQ, 1810. 
" Mr. Gad \'an Horn & Wife, 

" You are seated in Pew No. 42 in the body on north aisle. 

E.WILLIAMS, > Seating 

DAN'L BONTECOU. \ Comttee. 



^Ci^ 0''^c^^in*>^^ 



Autograph written April 2S, 1813. 

Mr. Joshua B. Vinton was born in Wardsboro, Vt., 
in 1798. At the age of fifteen he worked on a farm for 
five dollars and a half a month. He came to Springfield in 
1824, and entered the employ of Moses Chapman, who 
then kept the Exchange Hotel (torn down in June, 1890). 
where he remained about two years. In 1826 he rented 
the hotel in Brimfield, Mass., which he carried on for one 
year. He afterwards went to Northampton, Mass., as 
clerk for Oliver Warner, who was the landlord of the hotel 
there. In 1831 he purchased the hotel property of Mr. 
Warner, and was its proprietor until 1840, when he sold it 
back to Mr. Warner, and then came to Springfield and 
bought one-half of the old Hampden House of Horatio 
Sargeant (the other half was owned by Harvey Tucker), 
where he served his patrons for two years. In the spring 
of 1842 he went to Brooklyn, N. Y., and for a short time 
was eno:ao:ed in business as broker in Wall street, New 
York. He returned to Springfield in 1843, and eventually 
retired from active business. 

He was one of the first nine directors of the Agawam 
Bank (organized in 1846), now the Agawam National 
Bank. He gave $4,000 to the building fund of the Church 
of the Unity. 



390 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

He married Mary He died May 21, 1869, aged 

71 years. Children : two sons ; deceased. 

Mr. Thomas Warner was born at Springfield, June 
12, 1793. At the age of fourteen he went to his uncle at 
North Amherst, Mass., who was a millwright, to learn his 
trade. After three years' service he returned to Spring- 
field, where he secured work at the U. S. Armory at about 
seven dollars a month for the first year, and a certain 
amount of rations. In 1830 he was made inspector at the 
Armory ; in 1834 inspector of contract service, and August 
16, 1837, he was appointed master armorer, which position 
he held until December 31, 1842, when he resigned to take 
charge of the Whitneyville (Conn.) Firearms Works. In 
1848-49 he was associated with D. B. Wesson in the 
execution of a contract for the Wesson rifle at the Edwin 
Wesson rifle factory at Hartford, Conn. He afterwards 
went to Chicopee Falls, Mass., and with other parties 
established the Massachusetts Arms Company, for the 
manufacture of revolvers, but owing to an infringement 
they made on a patent of the Colt's Arms Company, of 
Hartford, Conn., Mr. Colt sued the company, and after a 
long contention won his suit. Upon this result the Mas- 
sachusetts Arms Company dissolved. Mr. Warner in 1852 
was associated with the Arms Company at Millbury, Mass., 
in getting up gun machinery for arms works at Columbia, 
S. C. He was afterwards engaged in New York in an 
enterprise for rifling muskets. He next returned to 
Chicopee Falls, where he resided for several years, and 
finally removed to Springfield. Mr. Warner was a charter 
member of Hampden Lodge of Masons, which was organ- 
ized in 1817. 

In 1829 Mr. Warner was in partnership with Jonathan 
Bangs, on the " Hill," in the grocery business, under the 
firm name of Bangs & Warner. 

Mr. Warner had great inventive faculties and improved 
every opportunity that came to him to perfect the manu- 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



391 




" Bates Tavern," 75 State street, l)uilt about tlie year 1773, formerly stooil 
where " Foot's block " now is, and was kept by Thomas Bales. It was removed to 
its present location in 1847, and is now a public house. Elijah Goodrich kept the 
house from 181 5 to 1820, when Jeremy Warriner became the proprietor, and it was 
then known as the " Eagle Tavern." " Uncle Jerry's " was a famous hostelry, having 
a wide reputation for its many excellences. 



392 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




No. 43 Howard street, the home of Uncle Jeremy Waniner. Jenny Lind, when 
she came to Springfield in July, 1S51, was entertained bv" Uncle Jerrv " in this 
house. The school children marched in procession to the house, when she 
"appeared upon a balcony and acknowledged their attention" with gracious 
smiles and bowing. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 393 

facture of firearms. There is little doubt that he did more 
than any other one man to put the interchangeable system 
of gun making to a practical test. The interchangeable 
system of manufacture of the musket was hrst practically 
taken up by Mr. Warner. It was based by him on a further 
alteration of the 1838 model. He was the projector of the 
movement for interchangeability at the Armory in 1839-40. 
Colonel Talcott in one of his reports made August 6, 1841, 
says: "The construction of an entire set of machinery 
for finishing it [the bayonet] in all its parts and thereby 
dispensing with the process of grinding, so ruinous to the 
health of man, deserves a medal of gold from friends of 
humanity. Thomas Warner is entitled to all the credit of 
these invaluable improvements." 

In 1 8 14 he married Sallie Hartung. She was born in 
1795, and died October 27, 1883, aged Sy years. He died 
February 11, 1885, aged 91 years, 8 months. Children: 
eight sons, two daughters. Now living (1893): Edwin 
Warner, Boston ; Lewis Warner, president Hampshire 
County National Bank, Northampton, Mass. ; Mrs. Sarah 
W. Hubbard and Miss Maria Warner, Springfield. 

Jeremy Warriner was born in 1784. In early man- 
hood he engaged in hotel keeping. When the Union 
House (now Chandler's Hotel) was built, in 1844-45, and 
ready for occupancy, he became the first landlord, and con- 
ducted the house for several years thereafter. Then he 
retired from the business, and spent the remainder of his 
life at his residence on Howard street. 

In December, 1809, he married Phcebe Bates, daughter 
of Thomas Bates. He died March 27, 1859, aged 75 years. 

It is related by a Mr. Willard who it was said was a clerk 
for Jeremy Warriner, but then (in 1848) was a clerk for 
Chester Jennings, who kept the City Hotel on Broadway, 
New York, that one day a Southerner called at the bar and 
asked for some brandy, which was handed to him with a 
tumbler, into which he poured the liquor until the glass was 



394 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 395 

about two-thirds full, and then offered in payment a Span- 
ish ninepence (12^ cents). Willard handed back sixpence 
(6j cents) in change, much to the surprise of the South- 
erner, who said, " I thought you charged ninepence a 
glass." " So we do, but at wholesale we charge only half 
price,'' was Willard's reply. 

Mr. Warriner had the honor of entertaining Jenny Lind 
at his home on Howard street when she sang in Springfield. 
She arrived at New York on a Sunday in September, 1850, 
coming to America without any formal contract with Mr. 
Barnum. iTi June, 185 i, after singing at ninety-five concerts 
under Mr. Barnum's management, the contract between 
them, which she had the privilege to extend to one hundred 
and fifty, was rescinded by mutual agreement, but at her 
request. The performances which she afterward gave in 
the United States were on her own account. She detested 
humbug. Maunsell B. Field, Esq., of New York, who was 
her attorney in the contract made with Mr. Barnum, relates 
that he was with her when a telegram was shown to her, 
mentioning the enormous sum that was paid in Boston for 
a choice of seats at her first concert. " What a fool ! " she 
exclaimed referring to the purchaser. Miss Lind (known 
as the Swedish nightingale) was a "calm, sensible, con- 
scientious woman of high principles." 

The monument to Jenny Lind, just completed in 
Aberdeen, is appropriately made of Swedish granite, 
polished, the design being that of a highly ornamented 
plinth, surmounted by an Ionic cross. A marble medallion 
bearing a wreathed lyre over the motto " Excelsior " is 
inserted in the plinth, and below is the following inscription 
in gilt letters: " Li loving memory of Jenny Maria Lind, 
wife of Otto Goldschmidt. Born at Stockholm, October 
6th, 1820. Died at Wynd's Point, xMalvern, November 2d, 
1887." 

The following is copied from an original programme 
of the grand concert she gave in the First Congregational 
Church, Springfield, July i, 185 i :— 



39^ SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

PROGRAMME 
MADEMOISELLE JENNY LIND'S CONCERT, 

THIS EVENING. 

PART I. 

Fantasia, or Favorite Themes of Bellini. Violin Artot. 

iMk. JOSEPH BURKE. 

Duett. "Allidea di quel metallo." (11 Barbiere ) Rossini. 

SiG. SALVI and BELLETTI. 

Air. "I know that my Redeemer liveth." (The Messiah.) Handel. 

Mdlle. J EN XV LIND. 

Akia. " Vi ravviso." (La Sonnambula.) Ijellini. 

SiG. BELLETTI. 

Fantasia, or Favorite Themes from Massaniello. Piano Forte. . .Thalberg. 

Mr. otto GOLDSCHMIDT. 

ScENA AND Aria. "Casta Diva." (Norma.).. Bellini. 

Mdlle. JENNY LIND. 

PART n. 

Fantasia, or Favorite Themes from the Bohemian Girl. On the Clarionet. 
SiG. G. liELLETTI. Belletti. 

Serenade. " Com'e gentil." (Don Pasquale.) Donizetti. 

SiG. SALVI. 

The " Bird Song." Taubert. 

Mdlle. JENNY LIND. 

Galop di Bravura. Piano Forte Schulhoff. 

Mr. OTTO GOLDSCHMIDT. 

Ballad. " Home, sweet home." (Clari.) Bishop. 

Mdlle. JENNY LIND. 

A RiA. " Largo al factotum." (II Barbiere.) Rossini. 

SiG. BELLETTI. 

" [ihn Anderson, my joe." A Scotch Ballad. 

Mdlle. JENNY LIND. 

The " Echo Song." A Swedish Ballad. 

Mdlle. JENNY LIND. 

Conductor .M. BENEDICT. 

Doors open on the Evening at 6 1-2 o'clock; the Concert 
commences at 8 o'clock. 



liooks containing the words of the Songs may be 
obtained at the door; price 25 cents each. 

G. W. Wilsiin, Printer, Springfiel.I. 1851 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 397 

Col. Solomon Warkiner, son of Solomon and Mary 
(Bliss) Warriner, his wife, was born at Wilbraham, Mass., 
March 24, 1788. He served his apprenticeship to a book- 
binder in Worcester county, Mass. In 1801 he came to 
Springfield and associated himself with Dr. Elam Bliss* in 
the drug and book business. He was afterwards in part- 
nership with Daniel Bontecou, under the firm name of 
Warriner & Bontecou, selling dry goods and general mer- 
chandise. Their store was where the First National Bank 
building stands. 

Mr. Warriner when he was a young man served in the 
militia and about the year 1S03 was chosen lieutenant of 
a company. He was commissioned captain of Artillery, 
First Brigade, Fourth Division, Mass. Vol. Militia, March 
7, 1810; major, August 27 ; lieutenant-colonel commandant, 
November 24, 1814. During the War 1812-15, he was 
ordered to Boston. He was honorably discharged August 

28, 18 1 5. Land warrants were issued in his favor as 
major in Colonel Edwards's (company) regiment, Mass. 
Militia, War 181 2, by the U. S. Government, but he after- 
wards assigned them to Solomon Sturges and Joel A. 
Doty. 

Colonel Warriner possessed much musical talent. He 
was the musical director in the First Church (Rev. Dr. 
Osgood) for thirty-seven years beginning in 1801. He was 
admitted a member of the church in February, 1802. In 
1 81 5, owing to business matters, he moved to Pittsfield, 
Mass., but returned to Springfield in 1820. In 1828 he 
was in business with his son under the firm name of S. 
Warriner & Son. 

He was made postmaster of Springfield in 1842, and 
held the office seventeen months, when he vvas super- 
seded by Col. Harv^ey Chapin, who was appointed August 

29, 1843. Colonel Warriner compiled the "Springfield 



* Born December 6, 1779; educated as an apothecary, was a book publisher and seller. 
Afterwards was in Boston and in New York. He died at his residence on I5roadway, New 
York, March 30, 1848, in the 69th year of his age. Unmarried. 



398 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




SOLOMON WAKRINER. 



AND MANSIONS OF Sr'KINGFIELD. 399 

Collection of Sacred Music," published in 1810. He was 
associated with the eminent musician, Thomas Hastings, 
in the compilation and publication of the " Springfield and 
Utica Collection United," published in several editions at 
Utica, N. Y., from 181C to 1829. He was the first leader 
of the first musical society (the old Handel and Haydn So- 
ciety) ever formed in Springfield. They used to meet in 
the old Unitarian church on State street, which was 
burned down October 12, 1873. The choir numbered from 
eighty to one hundred members, Abraham G. Tannatt 
being the organist. 

Colonel Warriner was a justice of the peace and quorum 
for several years. He took great interest in the public 
schools and was a member of the prudential committee. 
When a member of the school committee he was informed 
that the boys at the Charles street school were unruly and 
disobedient. One day he visited the school and remon- 
strated with them for their ill behavior, and said, " My lads, 
if I am called to come up here again I shall bring a gun ! " 
This possible object lesson restored order. 

He married, July 4, 181 1, Mary Bliss, daughter of Luke 
and Rachel (Colton) Bliss. She was born August 8, 1783. 
Colonel Warriner died June 14, i860, in his 83d year. Chil- 
dren : five sons, three daughters. 

Capt. Walter Warriner, a farmer, was born in 
Springfield, September 9, 1789. He was a member of the 
artillery company of sixty men that went to Boston to repel 
the threatened invasion on our coast by the l^ritish in the 
War of 1812-15. He was appointed lieutenant of artillery 
First Brigade, Fourth Division of Massachusetts Volunteer 
Militia, July i, 1816 ; captain February 18, 1817 ; honorably 
discharged April 30, 1821. 

In 1825 Captain Warriner was highway surveyor of the 
town. He was a representative from Springfield in the 
Legislature in 1834-35 and 1847. 

On the occasion of President James Monroe's visit to 



400 



SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




JOSKPM WEATHERHEAD. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 



401 



Springfield in 1817, as the party arrived from the west, the 
artillery company of which Captain VVarriner was then first 
lieutenant and acting commander met them at the old toll 
bridge and escorted them, riding on horseback, to Eleazer 
Williams's tavern where the president and his party had a 
reception from the town authorities, and were handsomely 
dined. 

In 1 8 16 Captain Warriner married Sophia Collins, born 

; died April 29, 1824, aged 31 years. He married 

for a second wife Tirza Hancock. She died March 3, 1846. 
He died October 4, 1S71, aged 82 years. Children: one 
son, two daughters. 

Mr. Joseph Weatherhead was born at Cumberland, 
R. I., September 30, 1790. He came to Springtield in 181 5, 
andsoon after entered the employment of the United States 
at the Water Shops as a machinist. Being an excellent 
workman and of good executive ability, he was appointed 
foreman, and in December, 1825, received the appointment 
as master armorer, wdiich office he held for eight years, 
until December 31, 1833, and then for a short time was in 
office again, from January i, 1843, to October 13, 1843, and 
again for the third time from December 1, 1844, ^o Septem- 
ber 30, 1847. He was in the service of the United States 
Government for a period of thirty-two years. 

After his retirement from the Armory he lived a cjuiet 
life at his home on State street, and for thirty years kept a 
daily record of the weather, the report of which was printed 
monthly in the Springfield Republican. He was one of the 
seven members who composed the tirst board of trustees 
of the Springfield Cemetery Association, which was organ- 
ized May 9, 1 84 1. 

In 1820 he married Hannah Dickinson of Amherst, 
Mass. She died July 21, 1832, aged 52 years. Their only 
child, Louisa, married the late Daniel D. Warren. She 
died June 26, 1864, aged 41 years. 

Mr. Weatherhead died March 25, 1871, aged 80 years, 
27 



402 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

6 months, nearly. He was a gentleman of " great purity of 
character, whose worth and genial nature were highly 
esteemed by those who had formed his acquaintance. " 



Mr. James Wells (whose father was a soldier of the 
Revolution, and an officer in the Second Connecticut Regi- 
ment, Colonel Sheldon's) was born at Hartford, Conn., 
November 14, 1783. He was for many years one of the 
prominent citizens and merchants of Springfield, commenc- 
ing business about 18 10 as a partner with Gen. Jacob Bliss 
under the firm name of Wells & Bliss. He was one of the 
town assessors from 1822 to 1830, and a foreman in the fire 
department for se\'eral years ; a director in the Springfield 
Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October 14, 1830, 
to October 5, 1840, and a manufacturer of paper, with a 
mill at Suffield, Conn., conducted under the name of P. 
Valentine & Co. In 1824 he was agent of the /Etna In- 
surance Company of Hartford, Conn. Mr. Wells was one 
of the founders and original members of the Unitarian 
society at Springfield, which in 1820 called Rev. W. B. O. 
Peabody to be its first pastor. He was clerk of the society 
for twenty-two years, from 18 19 to 1840. He was one of 
the forty-seven subscribers* to the fund of $7,035, with 
which the land now constituting Court Square was bought 
and deeded in April, 1821, to Hampden county for public 
])urposes. 

He married October 14, 18 12, Rebecca, daughter of 
David and Rebecca Ames, who was born at Bridgewater, 
Mass., December 5, 1788, and died at Springfield, May 27, 
1 87 1, aged 82 years. Their children were Mary, born 
June 24, 1 8 14, married to William Barton of Troy, N. Y., 
May, 1839, died at Troy, February 25, 1891, aged j"] years; 
James, born July 21, 1820, died at Springfield, March 5, 
1890; David A. Wells, an eminent economist, born June 
17, 1828, a resident of Norwich, Conn. Mr. Wells in 1839 



* His subscription was ;?2oo. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 403 

became interested in a large lumber establishment in Can- 
ada, and died while superintending the same at St. Francis, 
in the present Province of Quebec, November 14, 1843, 
aged 60 years. 

Mr Jerome Wells was born in Greenfield, Mass., 
April 2, 1813. In 1830 he went into the store of Howard 
& Lathrop, South Hadley Falls, as clerk, where he re- 
mained but a short time, and then went to Springfield to 
learn the silversmith's trade. His health failing in this he 
afterwards entered the store of his uncle, Daniel W. VVillard, 
a dry goods merchant, where he remained until 1835, when 
on the 15th of May the same year he removed to Chicopee 
and engaged in the dry goods business with Moses S. 
Younglove. In 1854, upon the organization of the Chic- 
opee Savings Bank, he was chosen its president and re- 
mained in office until 1874; a director and president of the 
old Cabot Bank, chartered January 24, 1845, succeeding 
John Wells October 9, 1854, and held the office of presi- 
dent, from its reorganization as a national bank in 1865, 
until his death in 1880. He was a stockholder and a 
director in the Gaylord Manufacturing Company from its 
organization in 1868. He was elected a representative 
from Chicopee to the Legislature in 1S69, and was chair- 
man of the committee on banks and banking. 

On the 2ist of July, 1842, he married Louisa C. Rice of 
Northboro, Mass. Mr. Wells died November 21, 1880, 
aged 67 years, 7 months. The wife of Fred B. Doten, 
cashier of the First National Bank of Chicopee, is their 
daughter. 

Hon. John Wells, son of Col. Noah and Sarah (Reed) 
Wells, of Rowe, Mass., was born February 17, 18 19. He 
was a student at law in Greenfield, Mass., afterwards entered 
Harvard Law School, under the instruction of Professors 
Story and Greenleaf. F'rom thence he entered Williams 
College and was graduated in 1838, and in 1841 settled in 



404 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

Chicopee, Mass. Upon the organization of the Cabot Bank 
(now the First National Bank of Chicopee), he was chosen 
president. He was a member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives from Springfield in 1849, and from Chicopee 
in 185 I, 1857, and 1865. In 1858 he was appointed judge 
of probate and insolvency for Hampden county. He was 
one of the presidential electors on the Lincoln and Johnson 
ticket in 1864. In September, 1866, he was appointed by 
Gov. Alexander H. Bullock, judge of the Supreme Judicial 
Court of Massachusetts, and afterwards removed to Boston. 
During his residence there he built a house in Brookline, 
Mass., which was ever after his home during his lifetime. 
He received the degree of master of arts from Williams 
College, and in 1870 the honorary degree of doctor of laws. 

In 1850 he married Sophia Dvvight, daughter of Hon. 
Edmund Dwight of Boston. She was born June 9, 1823. 
Judge Wells died in Salem, Mass., November 23, 1875, at 
the age of 56 years. Children : John Walter Wells, super- 
intendent of a mill at Woodbury (Mayo Landing), N. J., 
who was killed on the morning of November 9, 1892, by the 
falling of the elevator, and Mrs. James P. P'arley, Jr., of 
Boston, wife of a prominent lawyer. 

At a meeting of the members of the bar of the common- 
wealth held in Boston, on the 24th day of November, 1875, 
and at an adjourned meeting on the 4th day of December, 
1875, the following resolution, presented by the Attorney- 
general, Charles R. Train, was passed upon his death ; — 

^'■Resolved: That the death of Judge Wells, senior associate justice 
of the Supreme Judicial Court, in the meridian of life and the full 
maturity of all his powers, is a calamity which will long be felt by the 
bar and the people of this commonwealth : that his acute philosophical 
intellect, his legal learning, adequate in all and pre-eminent in many 
departments of jurisprudence, his habits of thorough and minute 
investigation, his remarkable power of protracted study and patient 
thought, his anxious conscientiousness and unfailing devotion to duty, 
his absolute intellectual and moral independence and impartiality, 
made him a pillar of strength in our judicial system: while his native 
modesty, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, the gentleness and 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 405 

courtesy of his manners, his simphcity, innocence, and purity of lieart 
and life, endeared him to all who came within the sphere of his 
influence." 



Mr. Philip Wilcox, merchant, was born September 
2, 1800, at East Berlin, Conn. He was a lineal descendant 
of the fourth generation from Daniel Wilcox, who emi- 
grated from England, and settled in Middletown.Conn., then 
an unbroken wilderness. Philip Wilcox came to Spring- 
field in 1823 and started the tinware and stove business 
on State street on the "Hill," in the building which stood 
where the old John Hancock Bank building stands. About 
1827 he moved down on State street near Main in the 
block recently torn down (January, 1893). He was at one 
time in partnership with his brother, Philo F. Wilcox; they 
were the first to manufacture stoves in this vicinity. In 
1830 he bought of Charles Stearns the middle store in the 
old town hall and soon after removed to that place. About 
1832 he sold the store to Capt. Henry L. Bunker, and 
bought of Dr. Elisha Edwards the corner store next to 
Market street, to which he moved. In 1833 he bought the 
old brick schoolhouse which stood in the rear of the town 
hall and tore down the west end of the building, and built 
the block on its site, now along Market street, for his shop 
and warehouse. 

He was a liberal advertiser. In \.\\& Republican of August 
31, 1831, after mentioning in about forty lines the articles 
he has for sale, he closes by saying, " Please keep in re- 
membrance the Batik*- and its contents, and yon cannot 
mistake the place." 

The following is a copy of his certificate as a member 
of the Hampden Mechanics Association : — 

'• This certifies that Philip Wilcox has been admitted a member of 
the Hampden Mechanics Association and is entitled to all the privi- 
leges belonging to the same. This certificate is transferable only by 
consent of the Association : — 

*The old Springfield Bank, which was directly opposite his store. 



4o6 



SKETCHES OF Till OLD INHABITANTS 




AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 407 

" Given under my hand and the seal of the Association at Spring- 
field this fifth day of February, A.D. 1824. 

•'A. G. TANNATT, ELIJAH BLAKE, 

Secretary. Presidents 

In November, 1824, he was admitted a member of the 
First Congregational Church (Rev. Samuel Osgood), from 
the church in Berlin, Conn., and was connected with the 
South Congregational Church, of which he was one of the 
original trustees. 

He married June 26, 1823, Eliza Parmelee at Middle- 
town, Conn. She was born February 19, 1804, and died 
January 12, 1847, aged 43 years. He died November 19, 
1842, aged 42 years. 

Children : two sons, two daughters. Now living (1893): 
John P. Wilcox and Mrs. Henrietta B. Dexter. 

Mr. Philo Y . Wilcox, son of a farmer, was born in 
East Berlin, Conn., in 1806. He came to Springfield about 
the year 1824, and learned the trade of a tinner in the shop 
of his brother on the "Hill," and was for a short time in 
partnership with him. He afterwards went into business 
on his own account near the southeast corner of Main and 
State streets. In a few years he bought the property 
which he occupied, and was the owner of the land on which 
is now (1893) being erected the Masonic building, corner 
Main and State streets. 

He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assur- 
ance Company from October 6, 1834, to October 4, 1869, 
and its president from October 4, 1841, to October i i, 1850. 
In 1840 he was elected a director in the Chicopee I^ank, 
Springfield, now the Chicopee National Bank, and president 
from June, 1850, to January, 1865. He was a member of 
the Common Council from Ward three in 1854, and a repre- 
sentative in the Legislature from Springfield, in 1859. 

He married Orpha J. Wood. She died February 26, 
1890, aged 82 years. He died January 9, 1871, aged 65 
years. Children : five sons, one daughter. 



40S SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




HON. TUSTICK WIl.LARD. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 409 

Mr. Daniel Wheelock Willakd, merchant, son of 
Ruel and Margaret (Wells) Willard, was born in Green- 
field, Mass., December i8, 1799. He received his educa- 
tion in the common schools of the town, and presumably from 
the academy. He removed to Springfield in early manhood 
and engaged in mercantile business, having as partners (at 
various times), Benjamin Day, in 1829, under the firm name 
of Day & Willard, and in 1831 Christopher Bliss, firm being 
Willard & Bliss, and later Henry Smith, under the firm 
name of Willard & Smith, and at one time was a member 
of the firm of Howard & Lathrop at South Hadley, Mass. 

In 1838, he was a representative from Springfield in the 
Great and General Court and ser\ed on committees where 
his financial talents were valuably employed. Mr. Willard 
was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance 
Company from October 7, 1839, to October 4, 1841, and 
one of the original corporators of the Hampden County 
Agricultural Society, chartered in 1844. He was interested 
in politics and wrote a number of articles as editorials for 
the Republican when published by Samuel Bowles, the 
founder (1824). In 1S44-45 he was one of the parish com- 
mittee of the Unitarian society and a devoted member. 

He married Harriette Clapp of Northampton, Mass. 
She died October 11, 1832. For a second wife he married 
Helen A. Sw^ift (daughter of Dr. Zephaniah Swift, late of 
Farmington, Conn.), who resides in New York city with 
her son, Daniel W. Willard. Mr. Willard had an excellent 
library in which he was a diligent student. He was "a 
man of strict integrity, with a high sense of justice, and 
was liberal in upholding the interests and charities of his 
church." He died September 23. 185 i, in his 52d year. 

Hon. Justice Willard was born in Greenfield, Mass., 
April 5, 1790. He entered Dartmouth College, from which 
he was graduated in 181 1. He studied law with Elijah 
Alvord at Greenfield, and was admitted to the bar in 18 16. 
His first public office was as United States deputy col- 



4IO SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

lector of internal revenue in 1815-16. In i8i4he removed 
to Springfield. He was a member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives to the General Court in 1S23, and in 1825 was a 
member of the Senate. From 1820-22 he was editor of the 
HaDipdcn Patriot, a newspaper controlled by prominent 
Democrats. In June, 1829, he was appointed register of 
l)robate for Hampden county, and held the office until 
July I, 185 I. He was one of the commissioners to qualify 
civil officers and was a justice of the peace for many years. 
Mr. Willard took much interest in the Springfield Republi- 
can when first started by Samuel Bowles in 1824, and 
contributed many timely articles to its columns during 
his lifetime. He was a lawyer of ability, and possessed 
of much warmth of character. At the social gatherings of 
his friends of the bar, by whom he was greatly esteemed, 
he was the soul of wit and enjoyment. In 18 19 he was one 
of the subscribers ($100) to the fund for the purchase of 
the Court Square property. Mr. Willard was a zealous 
member of the Unitarian society, and one of the committee 
in its affairs in 1825-26-27. He was a director in the 
Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from Novem- 
ber 3, 1828, to October 7, 1839, ^'""^ secretary from March 9, 
1838, to June 4, 1849. 

He married Sarah Lyman Bryant. She died May 9, 
1853, aged 57 years. He died April 11, 1864, aged 74 
years. Children : two sons, seven daughters. Now living 
(1893) : Sarah B. and Charlotte Willard, Springfield ; Mrs. 
Harriet (Willard) Whitman, Washington, D. C. ; Mason 
Willard, Longmeadow, Mass. ; and Captain Wells Willard, 
a gallant soldier, who served with distinction in the War of 
the Rebellion. He was commissioned first lieutenant 21st 
Mass. Vol., August 5, 1861 ; captain 34th Mass. Vol., 
October 2, 1862 ; mustered out, June 16, 1865 ; second 
lieutenant, 19th Infantry, May 11, 1866 ; transferred to 37th 
Infantry, September 21, 1866; brevet first lieutenant, 
March 2, 1867, for gallant and meritorious service at the 
battle of Chantilly. Va. ; brevet captain, March 2, 1867, for 



AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 411 

gallant and meritorious service in the battle of New Mar- 
ket, Va. ; first lieutenant 37th Infantry, November 5, 1868; 
unassigned, August 11, 1869; assigned to 5th U. S. Artil- 
lery, January i, 1871 ; commissary of subsistence, U. S. 
army, and is now (1893) stationed at San Antonio, Texas. 

The late Hon. William G. Bates gives the following 
incident of Hon. Justice Willard : " During the examina- 
tions bearing upon the policy of constructing the railroad 
from Boston to Albany, a public meeting was held at 
Springfield. After a number of persons had spoken Mr. 
Willard arose with his usual ardor ; warming with his sub- 
ject he concluded as follows : ' Mr. President, I am told that 
I am apt to be too sanguine. But, sir, when I consider the 
improvements of the age, the new discoveries that must 
hereafter be made in that wonderful machine, the steam 
engine, and the new applications of the power of steam, I 
believe, and I am ready to declare, — and I do declare, here, 
before this audience, and some of you may make a note of 
it, — that during the lifetime of some persons standing here, 
a train of cars will run from Springfield to Boston between 
sun and sun ! ' and then pausing for a moment he contin- 
ued : ' Yes, sir, I repeat, between sun and sun ! and back 
again in the same day ! ' The flon. John Howard, who 
was present and an earnest friend of the road, exclaimed, 
' There ! Willard is so sanguine that he always throws an 
air of burlesque over the most solemn subject.' " 

Mr. Eleazer Williams, landlord and merchant, son 
of Dr. S. Williams, was born February 3, 1771. About 
the year i8oohe was in business as a merchant. In 1830 he 
was a representative from Springfield to the Legislature, 
also foreman in the fire department. He subscribed $400 
to the fund for the purchase of land now Court Square. He 
was at one time landlord of the old tavern which stood on 
Court Square. He was noted for his gentility, and pride 
in personal appearance. His figure was large and portly — 
always wearing a spotless, ruffled shirt and wristlets, his 



412 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 




WILLIAM F. WOLCOTT. 



AND MANSIONS OF SPKINGFIELO. 413 

clothes of faultless make and style, he was the beau ideal 
of the " host in ye olden time." 

It is said of him that he would take his time in mixing 
a glass of toddy, — stopping to fix his hair, or brush his 
clothes if there was a speck of dust on them, — no matter 
who was waiting ; taking up a tumbler, he would wipe it 
inside and out repeatedly, until he was satisfied it was clean. 
It is related that one individual ordered a glass of toddy, 
and remarked that he was going to Hartford, and would 
like it ready i^'hoi he returned ! 

His first wife was Charlotte Dean, daughter of Capt. 
Joseph Dean of Boston. She was born March 7, 1773, and 
died February 22, 1827, aged 54 years, nearly. He married 
for a second wife Fanny Holbrook, daughter of Elihu Hol- 
brook of Brookfield, Mass. She was born December 7, 
1793, and died at Lafayette, Ind. Mr. Williams died Octo- 
ber 3, 1834, aged 6}, years, 8 months. 

Mr. Ephkaim Willi.ams, a prominent manufacturer of 
carriages and patent straw cutting machines, was born in 
Westfield, Mass., July, 1798. His shop was on Walnut 
street near the corner of State, in Springfield, where he 
carried on business for many years. 

In 1827 he married Lucy B. Colton, of Springfield, 
She died February 12, 1855, aged 57 years. He died June 
23, 1879, aged 80 years, 11 months. Children: two sons, 
two daughters Now living (1893) : Rachael E. Williams, 
who married George G. Clark, merchant, Springfield, Mass. 

Mr. William F. Wolcott was born in Windsor, Conn., 
June 9, 1788. When a young man he came to Springfield 
and was clerk for James Byers, who had a store near the 
Armory grounds. Afterwards he was clerk at the U. S. 
Armory, from September, 1813, to March, 18 14. Was 
reappointed February, 18 15, and remained in ofifice until 
August 31, 1842. In April, 1843, he removed to Agawam, 
where he settled on a farm. He was one of the first fifteen 



4r4 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

trustees of the Springfield Institution for Savings, which was 
incorporated in 1827. In 1839 ^^ ^^^^ chosen a director in 
the Chicopee Bank, Springfield, now the Chicopee National 
Bank. 

He married Lois Bryant. She was born in Springfield, 
May I, 1787, died February 14, 1843, in her 56th year. He 
died at Agawam, May 20, 1869, in his 8ist year. Children: 
four sons, four daughters, all born on public grounds — 
U. S. Armory. Now living, William Wolcott and Miss 
Helen Wolcott of Agawam, Mass., and George Wolcott, of 
Ouincy, 111., a civil engineer. 

Col. John Worthington was born at Springfield, 
November 24, 17 19. He entered Yale College, where he 
was graduated in 1740, and remained a tutor for three years. 
He read law in the office of Gen. Phineas Lyman, of Suffield, 
Conn., and commenced to practice in his native town in 
1744. He received the degree of master of arts and doctor 
of laws, from his alma mater in 1792. As early as 1757, 
he received his military title of colonel by commanding a 
regiment of Massachusetts Militia in Hampshire county. 
In 1771-72-73 he was one of the selectmen of the town. 
He was attorney for old Hampshire county under the 
Colonial government ; was a stockholder, and one of the 
incorporators of a company chartered by the Legislature in 
1792 to build locks and canals on the Connecticut river, 
that at South Hadley (Falls) being one of those built. 
Colonel Worthington was one of the executors of the will 
of Col. Ephraim Williams, who was killed in the French and 
Indian War, at Lake George, September 8, 1755. and by 
his will laid the foundation of Williams College. For his 
loyalty to the cause of the British crown in the Revolu- 
tionary War, the Whigs forced Colonel Worthington to 
kneel and ask forgiveness for "his Toryism " ; but being in 
favor in 1791 he was one of the commissioners to ascertain 
the boundary line between Massachusetts and Connecticut. 

President Dwight of Yale College said of Colonel 



AND MANSIONS OF STRINGFIKLD. 415 

Worthington, " He was a lawyer of the first eminence and 
a man who would have done honor to any town, and any 
country." 

In 1765 he was a member of a committee of the House 
of Representatives to consider Governor Bernard's speech, 
and the next year he assisted in the preparation of an 
address of thanks to the king for the repeal of the Stamp 
Act. In 1769 Governor Hutchinson wrote him to ask if he 
would accept the place of attorney-general. In 1770 he 
was associated with Hancock, John Adams, and other 
Whigs to draft a message to the governor on the subject of 
removing the troops from Boston to Castle William. In 
1772 he was connected with resolutions relative to grants 
of money for the support of the government of the province. 
In 1774 he was appointed a mandamus councilor, but 
declined that honor. The courts were interrupted the 
same year, and he retired from the bar. 

One of his daughters married the gifted Fisher Ames ; 
another was the wife of Jonathan Bliss, a loyalist, who was 
proscribed under the act of 177H, and went to New Brunswick. 
Colonel Worthington died April 25, 1800, in the <Sist year 
of his age. Mary, his widow, died in 1 812, at the age of 
80 years. 

The following notice of General Washington's reception 
in Springfield was published in the Haiiipshirc Chronicle 
of October 28, 1789: — 

" Last Wednesday about 3 o'clock in the afternoon this town was 
honored with the presence of the President General of the United 
States accompanied by his two private secretaries. He was met at the 
' great ferry'* by a number of gentlemen on horseback, who escorted 
him to Landlord Parsons', where he was received by the Independent 
Cadets commanded by Col. Joseph Williams, who saluted him with 
three volleys, and paid him every other respect which the dignity of 
his character merited and required. They were politely noticed by 
the President. Soon after his arrival he visited the Arsenal on Federal 
hill, where he spent considerable time in viewing the public stores 
deposited there, and was well pleased with the good order in which he 



' At Ferry lane, now Cypress street. 



4l6 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 

found them. Early on Thursday morning he proceeded on his journey 
to Boston." 

The following- copy of a letter now in the possession of 
the family of the late Josiah Hooker, Esq., shows how 
highly he was esteemed by the Colonial authorities. Though 
he did not accept the proffered position, it was no doubt 
the cause of his leaning to Toryism which made him 
unpopular with the patriotic citizens. 

" Boston, 28th Febr. 1769. 

" Dear Sik, In conversation with the Governor a few days ago 
about the Attorney General's place, which will be vacant in a short 
time, it was agreed that 1 should write to you, and propose to you to 
accept of it, provided a salary not less than /^2oo sterling a year 
should be annexed to it. I could not give any great encouragement to 
the Governor, because it is necessary an Attorney General should live 
at or near Boston, and I know your attachment to that foggy, unhealthy 
air from Connecticut River, which, if you do not remove, will shorten 
your days, but as it was possible I thought it best to make the proposal. 
If you can bring yourself to be willing, the Governor will immediately 
represent to Lord Hillsborough the advantage the Publick will receive 
from it, and will try to obtain 300 instead of 200 a year. I will add 
my little interest, though I doubt not his recommendation would be 
sufficient. If the attempt for a Salary should fail, it cannot be expected 
you should take the place, though I fancy there is more in it than is 
gtntr^Wy knovin or Sfwall rvo7e/d not be so /o77d of it. It will not be 
discovered by me, and I should think, not by the Governor, that such 
a proposal had been made to you. I shall be glad to secure an answer 
as soon as you have deliberated. 

" I am Yours Sincerely, 

•'THO. HUTCHINSON. 

•* To the Honorable John Worthington, Esq., Springfield." 




Autograph wiillen September 12, 1763. 



AND MANSIONS OF SI'KI N( , | 1 1 I 



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Springfield Academy. 74 Elm street, now ("ity Mission colfet- h-mse. Tlic 
part seen in the rear is the original building, the projection on the right of ii:e 
picture was built about twenty years ago. (See sketch of I;imcs \V. Crooks on 
page 151.) 



ANCIENT AUTOGRAPHS. 






Autograph written January 29, 1750. 



Autograph written Octolier 3, 1753. 




^j^/t ■^A^^^^;^o^ 



Autograph written October 3, 1753. 




Autograph written May ig, 1762. 



Autograph written Septtniber 12, 1763. 



Autograph written November 6, 1799. 



Autograph written May 28, 1S03. 

A 



Autograph written April 28, iSij. 



M<'^*^^ ^-^^C^-if^:^^^^i^ 



(See page S7.) 



ANCIENT PAPERS. 



Reed of Abel Chapin one pound Sixteen Shillin-s & 
Eight pence for My Right in ye inward Commons acco?din- 
to a Vote of y^ Proprietors of S^' Commons pas'' at a 
meeting April y^- 2 1/54 & promis to give Him a Deed of 
S^ Right Witnefs my Hand. Samuel Glover 

May ye 25 1763. 

To Abel Chapin, Surveyor of Highways for Springf^- 

Your Diftrict as Surveyor aforef is as follo'lvs-viz' 
Including all the Lands & Roads or Highways from Con- 
necticut River on the west To fifty rod East of Coltons 
Bridge on the East, To South Hadley bounds on the 
North, to Chickobee River on the South. 
Springfield March 2Stli 1765. 

EdvV Pvnchon, ^ 

Nath»=^ Ely 2'^ ' Selectmen 

Robert Harkls, ' ., /^ 

Benj~ Day, j ^priugfield. 

Colton^ Bridge muft be Repaired Soon or the Town will 
be prelent^ and the Surveyor Expofed to a Fine of five 

PO'-l"<Js. JOSIAH DWIGHT, Juft' Pac^" 

South hadley auguft 2o''> 1767. 
M"" Chapin 

Sir plefe to deliver to the bearer one Hodgfhead of rum 
with wodden hops marked E. N. Gaged one Hundred & 
Sixteen Gallons. Elisha Nash. 

Att a meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants 
of the third Parifh in Springfield Lawfully alsembled on 
monday the fourth Day IVIarch 1776 Voted & Granted to 
Jeams Kindwell the Sum of ^0-5^-2./ for Nathaniel 
Taylors Rate that he could not Colect— A True Copy of 
the Records of Said Parifh. 

Lef' Edward Chapin, Parifh Clerk. 

Received, Springfield Auguft 27''' 1787 of Cap' 
Ephraim Chapin Eleven Pound 6/ i in full for Excife and 
Impolt, until This Time — and have given two Receipts of 
this Tenor and Date. Moses Church, D Collector. 



420 



RESIDENTS AND BUILDIN(iS ON STATE STREET. 



REceived of Cp' Kphrim Chapin of Springfld in the 
County of Hampfhire, Five Pound Nine Pence in full for 
Excife due from the firft day of Novmbr 1789 unto the 
firft day of May 1790 

South Hadly June 13 1790. 

\ Collector of Excife for 



Noah Goodman, 



I the County of Hampshire. 



RESIDENTS AND BUILDINGS 



on the south side 
the "Hill" to 

Zebina Walker. 
Dr. Jacob Perkins. 
Edwin Booth. 
Sable Rogers. 
Martin Sikes. 
Col. Roswell Lee. 
Elisha 'I'obey. 
Martin White. 
Carlo Smith. 
Mrs. Stevenson. 
Cyrus Foot. 
Lombard Dale. 
Ezra Richmond. 
Uriah Ferre, Jr. 
Calvin Gay. 
Daniel Ferre. 
Daniel Warner. 



of State street, previous to i<S30, from 
Main street : — 

John Stebbins. 

W. H. Bowdoin. 

Charles Wood. 

John Rice. 

Joseph Hopkins. 

John C. Stebbins. 

John B. Kirkham. 

Stanleys Soap Works. 

County Gaol. 

Philip Wilco.x's Tin Shop. 

John Hooker, Jr. 

Springfield Brewery. 

Thomas Dale. 

Jonathan Dwight, Jr. 

Unitarian Church. 

Springfield Bank. 

Block of Stores to Main street. 



On the north side of State street, from the Armory grounds 
to Main street : — 



James Byers' Store. 

William Child. 

Dr. George Frost. 

Col. Israel E. Trask. 

Major William H. Foster. 

Edmund Allen. 

Elijah Goodrich. 

Rev. W. B. O. Peabodv. 



3^ 



Elijah Blake. 

Solomon Hatch. 

James S. Dwight. 

Dr. Samuel Kingsbury. 

Town Hall. 

Moses Bliss. 

J. and E. Dwight. 



BD 6.8. 



69 

IGUSTINE 
^ FLA. 
^2084 



